USMNT hopes of reaching next summer's World Cup was shattered as they lost 2-1 to Trinidad & Tobago at Ato Boldon Stadium, according to SI.com. The home team started the encounter on a bright note, scoring the opener in the seventeenth minute. Later on, USMNT began controlling the midfield and were able to set up chances in front of goal and, in the process, Christian Pulisic struck home the equalizer to put the US back in the contest. A few minutes to the end of the match, the home team doubled the lead that ultimately denied the United States a spot for next year's World Cup in Russia.
No doubt, it was a disappointing result for USMNT, which needed at least a win to book their place for playoffs. Before now, Trinidad & Tobago is already eliminated from the qualifying series and had nothing at stake. T&T is at the bottom of the Hex standings, while the United States ended fifth with twelve points. Here are the two things observed in the match.
The US seemed to have underrated Trinidad & Tobago
The United States needed a win to keep their hopes of reaching the playoffs alive but showed no hunger to that in the early minutes of the match as they barely create chances up front. US striker Jozy Altidore made little efforts in the attack and had no shot on target in opening minutes.
Trinidad & Tobago persistently launched counter attacks on United States' half and were able to find the back of the net. It was only Christian Pulisic that was able to wreak havoc on the home team's box. Assuming the USMNT attackers were able to utilize their own chances up front, the home team wouldn't have been so confident launching consistent offensive assaults on United States' half.
Unfortunately, things didn't just work out well for US head coach Bruce Arena. They just need to put away this loss behind and adequately prepare for future championships. Bruce Arena just needs to learn from his mistakes.
Where did the USMNT get it wrong?
No doubt, Bruce Arena did what was expected from him by featuring his key players: Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Christian Pulisic and so on.
Arena featured them in their suitable position but never really knew what went wrong, although the USMNT started slowly in the opening thirty minutes. Trinidad & Tobago apparently capitalized on their shaky back line and were able to score two goals in each half. US defense lacked proper coordination, and they barely understand themselves, giving the home team the clear opportunities to test goalkeeper Tim Howard. Overall, the USMNT performance was below expectation and it ultimately cost them losing a playoff place Nevertheless, the United States' men national team just need to go back to the drawing board and perfect their tactical approach in avoiding such re-occurrence.
