United States men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter assured that all 26 players are ready for Sunday’s Copa América opener against Bolivia. Concerns were raised about the fitness levels of midfielder Tyler Adams and forward Josh Sargent, but Berhalter confirmed that both players will be available to play some role in the match. Sargent suffered a foot injury while playing for Norwich City on May 16 and did not feature in the USMNT’s June friendlies leading up to the tournament. Adams, on the other hand, battled with injuries throughout the past season but managed to play the final minutes in the draw against Brazil.
Despite his limited game time due to injuries, Adams has been described as sharp and ready by his teammates. U.S. defender Chris Richards highlighted Adams‘ leadership qualities on and off the pitch, emphasizing his importance as one of the team’s captains. Despite his lack of playing time, Adams has managed to maintain his form and fitness, which bodes well for the team’s performance in the tournament.
Both Berhalter and Richards praised the playing surface at AT&T Stadium, ensuring that it would not be a hindrance to the players‘ performance. Compared to previous experiences at other stadiums, the surface at AT&T Stadium was deemed much better, with a base of sand making it softer and more conducive for gameplay. This positive assessment of the pitch provides reassurance to the players and staff ahead of the crucial opener against Bolivia.
Berhalter anticipates a tough challenge from Bolivia in the opening match of the Copa América. Despite being the lowest-ranked team in South America, Bolivia is known for its aggressive style of play in big tournaments. Berhalter emphasized the importance of adaptability in facing different styles of soccer, drawing a parallel to successful teams like France. The USMNT will need to be versatile and adept at adjusting to various challenges in order to succeed in the competition.
Berhalter emphasized the significance of limiting opponents‘ scoring opportunities as a key factor in their success. By focusing on defensive solidity and organization, the USMNT aims to minimize the threat posed by opposing teams. This tactical approach aligns with Berhalter’s vision of developing a team that can adapt to different situations and playstyles, ultimately aiming for success in the Copa América.
The availability of key players like Tyler Adams and Josh Sargent, coupled with the positive assessment of the playing surface at AT&T Stadium, provides confidence to the USMNT ahead of their Copa América opener against Bolivia. With a focus on adaptability and defensive prowess, the team is gearing up to face a challenging tournament and showcase their abilities on the international stage.
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