In their final international friendly before Copa America 2024, the US Men’s National Team will face Brazil in the Allstate Continental Clásico, where five stars will have a chance to impress Gregg Berhalter after a shaky performance against Colombia.
With two weeks left in the Copa America, the USMNT uses its two international friendlies before playing Bolivia, Panama and Uruguay in the Group Stage of the tournament. For the first time since 2016, the historic tournament is back in the US, and the Stars and Stripes could get a rare opportunity to lift the Copa America trophy in front of their home crowd.
The USMNT’s hopes are high this summer, especially after winning the CONCACAF Nations League three months ago, but a 5-1 loss to Colombia on June 8 raised many questions about Berhalter’s team.
Fortunately, the squad has a chance to relieve themselves at the Camping World Stadium on Wednesday, June 12, as they face Copa America favorites Brazil.
Here are five USMNT stars who need to step up and show their quality against Brazil.
1. Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun may only have committed to the US until May 2023, but the striker still has three goals in his 11 appearances for his country. Coming off a productive first season for Monaco, the 22-year-old looks ready to translate his success from Ligue 1 to his national team.
In fact, Balogun was one of the best players on the field for the US against Colombia. Not only did he set up Tim Weah’s goal with a perfectly timed ball, but he also had a shot off the post in the first half.
The USMNT will rely on Balogun to challenge Brazil’s central defense, which also includes Real Madrid’s Éder Militão, with his pace and powerful right-foot shot if they are to avoid another scoreline.
2. Joe Sally
USMNT starting right back Sergino Dest tore his ACL in April, ruling him out of Copa America 2024. The injury is a blow to the Stars and Stripes backline, but Joe Scally steps into the role and gets another chance to play. show what you bring to the team against Brazil.
The Borussia Mönchengladbach defender will be heralded for his work against the pace of Vinicius Jr., who recently helped Real Madrid win the Champions League. By facing the predicted winner of the Ballon d’Or in his 11th appearance in the US, Scally can prove to Berhalter and the fans that he is the successor to Dest.
3. Malik Tillman
While Berhalter prefers to start Tim Weah on the right wing, Malik Tillman gives the manager an interesting option to test against the Selecao. Tillman had a breakout year with Eredivisie champions PSV, scoring nine goals and adding 10 assists in his 28 league appearances.
With Weah playing the full 90 minutes against Colombia, Berhalter could give Tillman a chance to show the brilliance and skill that has earned him a contract with PSV until 2028. The 22-year-old can provide the USMNT’s much-needed spark. sometimes it is a static, unproductive attack.
Giving the winger important minutes against Brazil, one of the most talented teams in the Copa America, will help Tillman build chemistry with Balogun and Christian Pulisic up front.
4. Ricardo Pepi
Ricardo Pepi brings depth to the USMNT forward position. Although Balogun may start on June 23 against Bolivia, Pepi’s inclusion in the team cannot be ignored, and should be used when we play Brazil.
Despite failing to log significant minutes for PSV in the 2023/24 season, the 21-year-old still registered nine goals and three assists in all competitions, proving he doesn’t need 90 minutes to appear on the scoresheet. In fact, the No. 9 has 10 US goals, almost all of which come as substitutes.
After playing just 18 minutes against Colombia, Pepi could challenge Alisson in the Allstate Continental Clásico if given the chance.
5. Johnny Cardoso
With Berhalter managing Tyler Adams’ return from injury, Johnny Cardoso will get more playing time against Brazil. The midfielder made a couple of damaging mistakes against Colombia, including a small pass that led to Los Cafeteros’ third goal, but he also showed signs of his Real Betis brilliance in the first half.
Cardoso will have his redemption game against Brazil. The 22-year-old can show his defensive prowess against the likes of Rodrygo and Endrick, helping his backline by retrieving the ball and intercepting passes before threatening balls reach the superstar forwards.
The Allstate Continental Clásico begins on Wednesday, June 12, at 7 pm ET.
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