The United States fell 2-1 to Germany on Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago, with Leroy Sané scoring the eventual game-winner for the visitors, according to the report. For a stretch it looked as if the U.S. might salvage a draw before Sané found the space and time needed to convert the decisive strike.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino received a 7 out of 10, having deployed a lineup that appears likely to start against Paraguay in the World Cup opener, with the caveat of center back Chris Richards’ injury status, according to the report. The U.S. structure grew more confident after an early concession, at times turning defense into counterattacks.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese was graded a 3 after questions about his positioning on Kai Havertz’s header that opened the scoring and being beaten again by Sané’s strike, according to the report. Defensively Alex Freeman earned a 4 for a mixed showing, at times caught by Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz before finding more defensive and attacking involvement. Miles Robinson was marked down to a 3 after being beaten by Havertz’s header and exposed on Sané’s goal; Tim Ream received a 5 for more consistent disruption of German attacks.
Antonee Robinson was the standout with a 7, delivering a stunning volley from outside the box and providing width up and down the left before sustaining a cramp and coming off gingerly just after the hour mark, according to the report. Midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams were each graded 5 for combining physical presence with facilitation of transitions, while Sergiño Dest and Malik Tillman were given 4s for quieter, less effective performances.
Christian Pulisic earned a 7 as a persistent attacking threat, creating chances and drifting right to unsettle Germany, according to the report. Striker Folarin Balogun was rated 6 for his work rate and tactical shifting to the left but the report noted he did not receive clear scoring opportunities. The match served as the final dress rehearsal before the U.S. opens World Cup play against Paraguay on Friday.
