USMNT mission to impress South American enemies begins with Bolivia

In 1995, the US took advantage of their invitation to the Uruguay-hosted Copa America to create a milestone for the program with a fourth-place finish, including victories over Chile and Argentina. A 21 year old Gregg Berhlater was part of Coach Steve Samson‘s team.

Goalkeeper Matt Turner said Berhalter, who also represented the U.S. at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, did not speak specifically about that experience.

“But obviously we know he had those experiences,” Turner said. “He talks more broadly about the meaning and weight of this tournament, and what that trophy would mean to us. And the expectation of physical play.”

The Copa America offers the US an opportunity to prove itself against world powers. Before the country plays Uruguay in its final group match, it will meet Concacaf rival Panama after Sunday’s opening match against Bolivia.

The Bolivians have lost ten Copa America matches in a row since the 2015 tournament and have won just once in the last thirty Copa America matches.

“It’s a different team than you would think on paper,” Turner said. “They more or less went with the younger guard after their manager changed in November (the recruitment of Brazilians). Antonio Carlos Zago). They used to be a deeper block-sitting team, hoping for those one or two chances. Now they seem to be trying to create more on their own, by moving a little higher up the field.

“They have talented players who can get into trouble when they get the ball and have space to turn in the pocket. They like to shoot from distance. …

‘Their region is difficult. They compete against really good teams all the time.”

Under Berhalter, the U.S.’s most impressive performance against South American competition came in a 1-1 friendly with Brazil 10 days ago, four days after a 5-1 loss to Colombia.

Tyler Adams talked about whether there is a unique aspect to playing against South Americans.

“I always think it’s a different kind of game,” said the 25-year-old Bournemouth midfielder, whose observations are based on playing against and with South American players. “Of course there are the technical qualities, but there is also the competitive nature that they bring. I don’t know if it’s because of where they grow up and what they go through to get to the level they are at now.

His Bournemouth teammates include Colombians Luis Sinisterrawho scored and assisted against the USA in the friendly match in Maryland.

“Just his mentality,” Adams said. “He talks to me about some of the situations he had growing up and it’s just different. For example, we don’t experience that. I know some of us come from certain areas, but he comes from a worse area, I can guarantee that. So for him, the achievement of reaching Europe and what that means for his city and his family is very important. So I think they carry something more with them.”

The importance of the US achieving a signature victory – in addition to dominating Mexico – was a common question among the players preparing for the opener in Dallas.

“People like to say we didn’t get an important win,” center back Chris Richards said. “We have three Nations League trophies. We just focus on what’s ahead and try to take care of every game we have.”

England-raised centre-forward Folarin Balogun joined the US team after the 2022 World Cup.

“It’s my first major international tournament,” Balogun said. “I had a taste of winning silverware with the US (a couple of Concacaf Nations League titles), and that helped me a lot. This will be another level higher.

“Ultimately, football is judged by results. It would be naive to say that performance is all that matters. Performance is of course important, but we need results.”