World Cup: Can the U.S. finally end its five-year European curse?
INGLEWOOD, Calif. Chris Richards winced when he heard that the U.S. men's national team has lost 10 straight matches against European opponents.Damn, I didn't know that, the coolheaded U.S. defender said.Tyler Adams seemed surprised when told that the Stars and Stripes last defeated a team from Europe more than five years ago.Thats the first I'm hearing about that, the indefatigable U.S. midfielder said.While the U.S. has already piled up more goals at this World Cup than it has ever scored at a previous edition and has finished atop its group for just the second time since 1930, there are some demons that the Americans have yet to slay. Chief among them is a bleak history against European opponents.Since returning to the World Cup stage in 1990 after a 40-year absence, the U.S. has faced teams from Europe 21 times at soccers most celebrated tournament. The Americans have produced seven draws but just one victory, a 3-2 stunner against Portugal in their group play opener at the 2002 World Cup.2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One: Make your predictions for the Round of 32The U.S.s current losing streak against European foes started with a humbling 3-1 round of 16 defeat to the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup. Since then, the U.S. has endured a string of setbacks, dropping friendlies on home soil against the likes of Serbia and Slovenia and getting blown out by three or more goals against Switzerland and Belgium.Thursday nights Group D finale against talented but already-eliminated Trkiye offered the U.S. a chance to end that dismal streak, but Mauricio Pochettino rested most of his starters to avoid yellow-card suspensions and to prepare for knockout play. Kaan Ayhan scored a go-ahead goal nearly eight minutes into stoppage time as Trkiye handed the U.S. a 3-2 defeat.To advance any further at this summers World Cup, the U.S. will have to find a way to break its European hex. Up next for the U.S. in the round of 32 is Bosnia and Herzegovina. Looming in the round of 16 could be Belgium. Pre-tournament favorite Spain would be the U.S.s most likely quarterfinal opponent should the Americans make it that far.Christian Pulisic reacts during the United States' 3-2 loss to Turkiye in the Group Stage.Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesWhy has the U.S. faltered against European opponents despite recording victories against the likes of Mexico, Japan, Uruguay and Senegal during the buildup to this World Cup? Richards said he hasnt spent much time thinking about the subject, but he did offer his perspective on how European sides differ from elsewhere in the world.When you think about European teams, you think about more technique, more technical ability, said Richards, who plays club football for Crystal Palace in England. When you think of South American, African teams, you think of more mentality. So maybe something there, or maybe weve just been unlucky.I don't want to disrespect South American teams or African teams. Obviously they have quality, but I think when you think about them, you think of more mentality, more passion. They love their country that they play for.Theres a bit of irony for the Americans that Bosnia and Herzegovina is their round of 32 draw. The Bosnians are the last European team that the U.S. beat in a low-key friendly on December 18, 2021. In his lone national team appearance, midfielder Cole Bassett scored a rebound goal in the 89th-minute to lead the Americans to a 1-0 victory over a Bosnian team that played the entire second half down a man.Its safe to say that few players who participated in that match will be on the pitch when the U.S. and Bosnia meet Wednesday at Levis Stadium in Santa Clara, California. That 2021 match was outside the FIFA window so the U.S. deployed exclusively domestic-based talent and Bosnia and Herzegovina fielded an inexperienced team without the likes of international standouts Asmir Begovi, Sead Kolasinac and Edin Deko.Bosnia and Herzegovina is the No. 61 team in the current FIFA world rankings, but it has shown the ability to frustrate stronger opponents. It qualified for the World Cup through the UEFA playoffs, eliminating Wales and Italy. Then it advanced out of its World Cup group by drawing against host Canada and overpowering Qatar.The U.S. will likely dominate possession against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the Bosnians can be dangerous through the air on set pieces or when they break quickly on counter attacks. Even at 40 years old, Deko remains a reliable target forward and clinical finisher. Young standouts like Kerim Alajbegovi and Ermin Mahmic have added pace and creativity to what used to be an aging squad.While the U.S. defense has proven susceptible to occasional lapses, its attack has been prolific enough to make up for it. The Americans have racked up eight goals in three World Cup matches despite its most lethal playmaker, Christian Pulisic, only logging a total of 87 minutes because of a calf injury.Pulisic has pronounced himself fit and ready for Wednesday's match. The other U.S. mainstays are healthy too.Can this group live up to its hype as the U.S.s golden generation, make a deep run in knockout play and finally end the team's European curse?Said Richards with a smile, Streaks are meant to be broken.
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