SEATTLE — As big as the U.S. national team’s World Cup opening win was, it merely provided a chance — a golden opportunity to be soccer’s golden generation.
Now they must cash in and earn it.
A victory Friday against Australia — one they might have to pull off with Christian Pulisic sidelined — would guarantee a spot in knockout play and the U.S. would lead the group going into its group-play finale with Turkey. Winning the group would provide an easier path for a deep World Cup run that could change the sport in this country.
“We’re starting to see in the U.S … the kind of support and fandom we see in Europe,” U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino said. “The U.S. is starting to realize the importance, well, the power of soccer on society. We’re starting to see in America what we see as a society in Spain, Argentina and Brazil. But it is still very young here in the U.S. Think about the possibility for a child watching the World Cup to say he wants to play soccer, and now in a culture that embraces that.
“It’s an important starting point for people who want this sport to grow. Our soccer players on the U.S. team are creating a role for that now, and are fundamental. … They have 26 heroes with the U.S. team that will affect the youth here in the U.S. with their performance in this World Cup and the future of football here. We can change the future of this sport. The other day you saw how super the fanbase is in basketball in the NBA Finals with the Knicks. We can do the same with football. We have to continue to play well and bring attention to this sport.”
Pochettino — an Argentine answering in Spanish — was hired to bring the U.S. to new levels. He watched 2 million people turn out to celebrate the Knicks on Thursday and is acutely aware of how his own team has captured fans and raised the bar.
Now they must clear the new one.
“Depends how far we come,” fullback Sergiño Dest said. “If we continue to play like [we did] against Paraguay, it can.
“We’re still all hungry. It’s the beginning. We had a great game against Paraguay, but we want more. … So, we are all hungry to show all the opponents in the group and the world what we’ve got. That’s what we’re going to do [Friday].”
The U.S. comes into Friday’s clash at loud Lumen Field with three points in Group D, level on points with physical Australia but one ahead on goal differential. With head-to-head the first tiebreaker, a U.S. win would clinch the group, and even a draw would keep them safely atop the standings entering Game 3 vs. Turkey.
Many have called the 4-1 rout of Paraguay last week among the most impressive U.S. performances in memory. The victory raised the bar, providing an opportunity to convert fans and inspire the next generation.
But only if they execute, which means winning Friday.
“Yeah, we’re all aware of it. We have social media, we constantly have the TV on, watching other games and naturally on Fox Sports they’re talking about the U.S.,” said Cristian Roldan. “But we’re grounded. We understand it was just one game. What excites me is that the entire nation is behind us. They enjoyed watching us play.
“What we want to do is inspire and motivate the next generation. And with performances like Paraguay, we’re going to have up-and-coming stars coming through. But, we have to build off it. And that’s the truth. We can’t just talk about it; we have to show out against Australia.”
That won’t be easy against a rugged Australia team that beat Turkey 2-0. They can defend and counter ruthlessly with speedy Watford winger Nestory Irankunda.
The U.S. survived a physical 2-1 win over the Socceroos on Oct. 14 that saw Pulisic knocked out of the game. Now he’s hurt again, day to day with a left calf injury.
“He’s evolving,” said Pochettino. “He’s much better from Friday. We’ll see.
“At the moment, we think if he’s not available for [Friday], he’ll be available for the next game. He’s doing a massive effort trying to be ready.”
