The real reason the USMNT's World Cup dream ended against Belgium revealed | OneFootball

From the moment I’m writing this article, many hours have passed since the USMNT's elimination against Belgium. An encounter that ruined the World Cup dream for a team that surprised the entire soccer world, that’s for sure.

The negative thing is that this promising run will end up in history at the same stage as the 1994, 2002, and 2014 participations.

However, even though Mauricio Pochettino couldn’t go through the Belgian tactics, the USMNT proved worth it for the 2030 World Cup: a tournament without excuses for this nation.

Now, with the introduction beign said, let’s talk about the real reason why the USMNT lost against an underperforming Belgium.

The veterans' experience appears when it matters the most

In the preview, the USMNT was a clear favourite to win this game, but once the ball started rolling on the field, everything changed, and no one could understand why. However, we know the reason.

The real reason the USMNT lost was because of the experience of the Belgian players. As we say in Argentina, "They beat them with the shirt."

This means that when you have a historic national team in front, sometimes the names or talent of your players are not enough, and the other team, just with the name and experience they had, beat you.

Yes, were there horrible mistakes from Freese? Yes. But after that, Belgium played against the Americans in a way they had never experienced before: catching them out of position because of their desperation to prove themselves.

And that is why the H2 says it: experience in these stages appears when you need it most.

The United States arrived with a squad full of young players who are rookies to moments like these. Belgium was the complete opposite, with veterans spread between the starting eleven and the bench.

With one simple move, waiting and attacking from the USMNT’s mistakes, Pochettino’s team suffered like never before.

This is not a scolding, because the Americans already have the foundation for 2030, and be ready, because that World Cup could be their surprise.

It is just that, at home and with a golden opportunity, the veterans' tricks and the ability to play these kinds of matches became the downfall of a great team.