Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ... USMNT vs. Portugal review: Pochettino's Pulisic tactic, standouts, strugglers & more
Apr 1, 2026
A postgame breakdown of the USMNT vs Portugal match. Tactical debate over Pochettino’s instructions and the controversial Pulisic-as-striker move. Close looks at selection choices, bench impact, and who stood out versus who struggled. Detailed takes on chance creation, defensive breakdowns, and midfield performances.
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US Competed But Missed Final-Third Quality
- The USMNT competed respectably but lacked clinical open-play chance creation versus Portugal.
- Hosts highlighted multiple wasted final actions (Weah pass to a defender, Pulisic/McKennie misrun, Aronson rocket) that turned promising sequences sterile.
Fix The Final Ball In Transition
- Avoid wasting promising transitions by improving the final pass and decision making in the box.
- Pochettino must demand better execution of the 'last action' on sequences like Weah's 17' and the 81' six-on-five break.
Tillman Drove Progression But Must Cut Mistakes
- Malik Tillman was a standout ball progresser, repeatedly moving the US into the final third.
- Tillman's tight passes and rotation from deep created several positive sequences despite a few costly turnovers.