Portugal Beat USA in Pre-World Cup Friendly
 |
| Portugal's Fernandes inspires win over USA in pre-World Cup friendly |
USMNT fall to second consecutive defeat as Portugal secure win in Atlanta. Portugal defeat United States 2-0 in friendly match ahead of FIFA World Cup, with goals from Trincao and Felix.
Portugal edge past USA 2-0 in friendly ahead of World Cup...
Portugal secured a 2-0 win over the United States in a friendly match at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marking the USMNT's second consecutive defeat ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Goals from Francisco Trincao and Joao Felix sealed the victory for Portugal, who were missing star player Cristiano Ronaldo due to injury.
The match was a crucial test for Mauricio Pochettino's team as they finalize their preparations for the summer tournament. Despite a strong first half, the USMNT struggled to capitalize on their chances, and Portugal's attacking prowess ultimately proved too much.
The Americans started strong in Atlanta, with Weston McKennie having an early shot saved by Jose Sa, followed by Christian Pulisic's effort blocked inside the box. Portugal quickly reminded the hosts of their attacking threat, though, as Bruno Fernandes broke through the lines and powered a shot on goal, only for Matt Freese to make a great save and turn it behind for a corner.
The game was being played at a frantic, end-to-end pace, as the home side continued to create chances. Sebastian Berhalter had a shot from distance saved, while Pulisic also let fly from outside the box but his daisy-cutter flashed inches wide of the left post.
The US were left ruing those missed chances and found themselves behind at the break. Fernandes once again broke forward into the opposition box, but as he went wide, the maestro showed his magnificent awareness, as he backheeled the ball into the middle of the box for Francisco Trincao to latch onto and fire home.
The start to the second half was disrupted by a large amount of substitutions made by both coaches, and the two sets of players struggled to get into rhythm - a stark contrast to the first half.
Goncalo Ramos came close to doubling Portugal's lead after collecting the ball on the edge of the box, but the Paris Saint-Germain man couldn’t hit the target with his curling shot.
Portugal's lead was doubled just before the hour mark with a beautifully crafted goal, again involving Fernandes. This time, the Premier League's leading creator got the assist after his corner-kick to the edge of the box was beautifully controlled by Joao Felix, who took a touch before lashing the bouncing ball home with a powerful, low drive.
Portugal dominated the second half after scoring their second goal, with Ruben Neves coming close to adding a third with his signature dipping volley from distance, but Matt Freese made a great save to keep the US in the game.
Mauricio Pochettino's team struggled to get a foothold in the game after the restart, and ultimately suffered their second consecutive defeat in this international break. This isn't the ideal preparation for the Argentine coach as the US co-hosts the World Cup.
Portugal, on the other hand, looks ready to take on the challenge under Roberto MartÃnez's leadership.
Portugal dominated the second half after netting the second goal, as Ruben Neves went close to adding a third via a trademark finish - a dipping volley from distance - but Freese did well to save.
Pochettino’s men struggled to lay a glove on the Portuguese after the restart and in the end, the USA fell to successive defeats in this international break - not the ideal preparation the Argentine coach would have wanted going into the WC as co-hosts. Portugal, meanwhile, look primed and raring to go under Roberto MartÃnez.
No comments:
Leave comment here