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Oct 11, 2024 | 9:00 AM EDT
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 09: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of World XI acknowledges the fans prior to Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 at Stamford Bridge on June 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 09: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of World XI acknowledges the fans prior to Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 at Stamford Bridge on June 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
Debate
Can Pochettino's USMNT pull off a Greece 2004-style miracle in the 2026 World Cup?
With all the prayers answered, Mauricio Pochettino is the head coach of the USMNT. The team needed some greater impetus, and he came in with much fanfare. However, what are the realistic expectations for the side? Yes, what is actually the realistic expectation for this side who plays the World Cup in 2026? Soccer players, fans, pundits, and many more have put this question forward, and here is one more on the list.
ESPN’s one and only Venezuelan icon Ale Moreno gave his verdict on the ‘realistic expectations.’ But before that, another person pointed out the realistic expectations. Former American soccer player Jimmy Conrad mentioned, “Now on paper, we should have a manageable opponent in the Round of 32. Round of 16, it’s gonna get sticky. So yeah, we still got some work to do.”
It’s really something to look forward to. With the current crop of players, one might say the USMNT team underperformed in recent years. The Copa America tournament became the perfect recipe for success, yet the team burnt away. With Panama edging them into the group table, everyone knew the boys needed a good old-fashioned coach, who would discipline them. Ale Moreno’s predictions may come true if they align with his methods.
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BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MAY 15: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Chelsea, reacts during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea FC at American Express Community Stadium on May 15, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
“I imagine we are talking about the World Cup and if that’s the case, realistic for the United States would be getting out of their group,” said Moreno. Pochettino, himself, mentioned the USMNT’s expectations to be in the quarterfinals. Why the quarterfinals? A little favor in the fixtures would do the team the world of good as Moreno ideally pointed out.
“Potentially winning a round of 16 match. And then, getting into the quarterfinal, depending on the match-up. Then you start thinking maybe, maybe… But realistic, I think it’s something that should be demanded out of Pochettino and this team. And that would be, getting out of the group, win the round of 16, see what happens in the quarters,” concluded Moreno.
Now let me give you my positive ‘REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS!’
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Can Pochettino's USMNT pull off a Greece 2004-style miracle in the 2026 World Cup?
Debate
You must wonder what’s wrong with me in this prediction. But let me give you some positive details. Remember Euro 2004 when Greece defeated the mighty France and then Portugal in the finals to lift the Euro Cup? The mythological defensive Greek side shocked the world in 2004. It still lives fresh in the memory with a certain Angelos Charisteas leading the line. From one forward to another!
Jamie Vardy and Leicester City shocked the English Premier League by winning the title in 2016. The odds market was a joke. People placed bets on spotting a Loch Ness monster rather than Leicester City winning the league with 5000-1 odds. Yet, it happened.
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Therefore, players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and the 12th man (US soccer fans) can help the team in crossing the finishing line. With Pochettino at the helm, anything can be possible. He has two years to prepare the team the way he wants. Hopefully, we see a dream like Greece and Leicester City unfold in front of our eyes.
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