The selection of USA ended the group stage with an unexpected 3-2 defeat against Türkiye and, although their qualification The next round was not affected, the perspective of its fans did change.
The team led by Mauricio Pochettino had left good feelings in their first two World Cup matches, and Everything indicated that he could finish the group stage with a perfect score.
The defeat also generated criticism of Pochettino, who decided to alternate players and manage the load of matches. In a recent press conference he said that “no one congratulated” his team for securing qualification.
At the start of the conference, Pochettino stated that the match on June 25 was “anecdotal”, since the United States had secured its place in the round of 32. while Türkiye was practically eliminated.
“Before starting the World Cup, the goal was to qualify first. In the end, we finished first. Today’s result is anecdotal“said the coach.
At that moment, the coach assured that the media and the fans had “downplayed” to the United States classification.
“I was with a channel from Türkiye and I wished them a safe trip back. But when I got here, I was confused…the feeling and the vibes is that we are going home tonight and Türkiye is staying“Pochettino said.
“So far no one congratulated us for finishing first in a very difficult group. When I came hereNo one congratulated us for that achievement.“he added.
He also said that the important thing was not to win every game, but to reach the next one in the best conditions.
“To make history is to win a World Cup, it is not to win three games. I don’t understand, the objective was to finish first and we finished first“said the coach.
Despite this, Pochettino showed himself happy and “positive” about the team’s performance in the group stage.
The United States’ round of 32 match has already been confirmed, which will be against Bosnia and Herzegovina.