In short
Football Americas episode previews the U.S. men’s World Cup match vs Australia after the U.S. opener vs Paraguay, and checks in on the “Tartan Army” in Boston plus Mexico’s win over South Korea. The hosts argue the U.S. must match Paraguay-level performance early, then manage a likely physical, low-block Australian approach and avoid mistakes that invite counters and set-piece damage. Key guest focus: Christian Pulisic is out of the squad with a calf injury (not even on the bench), so Ricardo Pepé starts to pair with Folarin Balogun; the lineup is expected to be more 4-4-2/diamond-like for stability.
Notable examples
the U.S. created space against Paraguay via mid-block fluid movement; Australia’s threat is size, fast attackers, and set pieces (e.g., Sutter on corners/free kicks).
Guests
Alexis Nunes (host), Hercules Gomez and Jermaine Jones (U.S. players), Juergen Klinsmann (1990 World Cup winner, former U.S. coach), Jeff Cameron and Breck Shea (former U.S. players). Also discussed: Mexico’s pragmatic, “bombero” approach under Javier Aguirre and Scotland fan culture.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOUSMNT's Stunning Opener
2:16 to 3:42
Hosts analyze the USMNT's impressive performance in their World Cup opener.
“A week ago today, we saw a stunning performance from the U.S.”
Impact of Pulisic's Absence
3:42 to 7:00
Discussion on Christian Pulisic's injury and its impact on the team's strategy.
“You know, obviously, he's picked up that calf injury and they don't want to they don't want to risk anything.”
Match Predictions Against Australia
7:00 to 10:39
Hosts and guests provide insights and predictions for the match against Australia.
“He's just coming off 45 minutes where he produced three goals.”
Previewing Australia's Threat
10:39 to 14:00
Analysis of Australia's playing style and how the USMNT should approach the game.
“Well, Jeff and Breck, let me go back to you because I know you guys are big time and you have sports-centered to-do.”
USMNT vs Australia: Analyzing the Matchup
14:00 to 19:32
A detailed examination of the upcoming matchup between the USMNT and Australia, focusing on tactics and players to watch.
“is by no means in a position to think they're better than anybody, and I think they understand that.”
USMNT vs Australia: Analyzing the Matchup
21:17 to 22:22
A detailed examination of the upcoming matchup between the USMNT and Australia, focusing on tactics and players to watch.
“The one that makes buying so incredibly easy?”
Rivalry and Physicality: USA vs Australia
22:33 to 28:00
Discussion on the intense rivalry between USA and Australia, analyzing past encounters and physical play expectations.
“As we said, now the media has added a lot of fuel to this rivalry between the USA and Australia.”
USMNT's Defensive Struggles Against Paraguay
28:00 to 30:00
Analysis of the U.S. Men's National Team's defensive errors in a recent match.
“And if they can do those little things, they've put themselves, give themselves a chance to win this game.”
USMNT's Defensive Struggles Against Paraguay
30:42 to 31:07
Analysis of the U.S. Men's National Team's defensive errors in a recent match.
Flo Balogun's Potential at the World Cup
31:07 to 34:34
Discussing Flo Balogun's performance and expectations for the U.S. at the World Cup.
“Well, this is your ExxonMobil legendary performance.”
Show all 18 chapters
Jermaine Jones' Memorable World Cup Goal
34:34 to 37:05
Recalling Jermaine Jones' iconic goal against Portugal in the World Cup.
“I think it just makes us all excited about a kid like him, to see him and obviously how the first game went.”
The Impact of Scoring in Big Moments
37:05 to 38:22
Discussing the significance of scoring goals in crucial matches and the emotions involved.
“You got to let the guys execute whatever they feel in their stomachs, whatever comes up in their brains.”
Teaser for Upcoming Segment on the Tartan Army
38:22 to 38:42
A brief transition to discuss the excitement surrounding the Tartan Army in Boston.
“But when we come back, you might have heard that Boston is running dry of beer.”
The Tartan Army's Presence in Boston
40:33 to 42:01
Describing the vibrant atmosphere created by the Tartan Army during their visit to Boston.
“for the first time since 1998, and boy, are they making up for lost time.”
Scotland's World Cup Preview
42:01 to 43:47
The hosts discuss Scotland's upcoming match and the dynamics of their group.
“Take heed, taking it out I'm so glad that you asked They're over here on the street They've all got flasks, no need to pay.”
Mexico's Triumph Over South Korea
43:48 to 46:35
A breakdown of Mexico's performance and their path to the knockout stage.
“Brazil and Morocco, they played themselves to a draw.”
Understanding Mexico's Pragmatic Approach
46:36 to 48:14
Discussions on Mexico's tactical decisions and coaching philosophy in the World Cup.
“Them wrapping up the group with two games in the World Cup.”
Predictions for USA vs Australia
48:24 to 54:01
The panel shares their predictions for the upcoming match between USA and Australia.
“Well, we're just about nine minutes away from kickoff between the USA and Australia.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Herculez Gomez:Look, the economy is a lot right now, and if you're a small business owner, you probably feel it. You can't control interest rates or tariffs, but you can control how efficiently your business operates. Automating payroll and HR with Gusto is one of the fastest ways to cut friction and focus on what actually moves the needle. Gusto is online payroll and benefit software built for small businesses. It's all-in-one, remote-friendly, and incredibly easy to use, so you can pay, hire, onboard, and support your team from anywhere. It's quick and simple to switch to Gusto. Just transfer your existing data to get up and running fast.
0:38Herculez Gomez:Plus, don't pay a cent until you run your first payroll, and get direct access to certified HR experts to help support you through any tough HR situation. There's a reason Gusto is ranked number one on G2's highest satisfaction products list for 2026 and trusted by over 400 ,000 small businesses. Try Gusto today at gusto.com slash football and get three months free when you run your first payroll. That's three months of free payroll at gusto.com slash football. One more time, gusto.com slash football. Goal Americas is presented by Mobile. I'm sorry, are we a soccer country now? I don't know about that.
1:23Herculez Gomez:It's definitely called soccer this morning. I can say that. I cannot believe what my eyes have just seen.
1:28Jurgen Klinsmann:I actually had to check that this was a U.S. team I was watching.
1:31Herculez Gomez:The one thing that will get a grip of the public is not noise, it's performance. I do not think I had seen this bit of performance from the U.S. men's national team at any level of the game. One of the best U.S. national team performances in a World Cup. I don't think I'm surprised. I've seen us play like this recently. Three goals in the first half of the opening game. I felt like it was a real statement. That's what we wanted to do. The challenge now is to keep that level. It was so high. But I have no doubt that I think we can show again.
2:15Hello, everyone, and welcome into our studios for this edition of Football Americas. A week ago today, we saw a stunning performance from the U.S. men's national team in their World Cup opener. And today they will walk out again. But this time it won't be Paraguay. It's Australia who will present a much different type of opposition. Alexis Nunes here with my two U.S. men's national team players, Hercules Gomez and Jermaine Jones. And then we also have the one and only 1990 World Cup winner and former U.S. coach himself, Juergen Klinsmann. But we're not going to just stop there because we are assembling quite the Avengers.
2:53We're going to head from Bristol, Connecticut, all the way to Houston, Texas for a pair of Texas boys themselves. They are joining us right now. Jeff Cameron and Breck Shea joining the show as well. before I get to the boys out there in what is a humid Texas. Juergen, it's getting a little bit nostalgic here. I've assembled a bit of your former team.
3:16Jurgen Klinsmann:Yeah, I'm getting a bit emotional here. Fantastic. It's fantastic to see you guys. It's so cool. So cool. All right. Well, I won't ask you which one was the best behaved one and which one wasn't because I think I already know. But boys, let me go out to you in Texas. Jeff and Breck. Of course, the big news that no Christian Pulisic, not even on the 11, but not even in the squad as well. That's going to be a big miss for the U.S. today.
3:45Yeah, it's going to be a certain.
3:47Herculez Gomez:It's not surprising. You know, obviously, he's picked up that calf injury and they don't want to they don't want to risk anything. You know, he's more important going into the later stage of the tournament. So hopefully he'll be good for the next game and give someone else an opportunity to show their stuff. Yeah, exactly. Where do you expect that other attacking threat to come from when we look at the 11 now?
4:14Herculez Gomez:You're seeing Pepe come in. I don't know if it's more to stretch the defense because Australia is so compact. Their lines are really tight. So maybe it's just to get in behind them a little bit more and be a little bit more direct. With Balogun's movement from last match was fantastic. So hopefully them two will combine one another and they can really expose this Australian defense. Yeah, Breck, what do you make about Ricardo Pepe and his inclusion in this? Because he's definitely coming off of some good form as well over in the Netherlands.
4:46Herculez Gomez:Yes, I mean, it's a good move. I would have thought Tim Weah would have stepped in there, but Pepe, he's had a great season and he can score goals and I think it frees up Balogun. I mean, Herc would know best. When a forward sees the ball go back in the net, But the confidence that that brings leading into the tournament and for the rest of the games is nothing matches that. Frees up Flo Balogun, who had quite a nice game last time out, scoring those two goals. Juergen, what do you make of how Mauricio Pochettino has helped to adjust his 11 with Christian Pulisic's omission?
5:20Jurgen Klinsmann:First of all and foremost, I think it's a very good vice decision to leave Christian out. If he really has a little bit of issues right now, then don't play him. Don't play him. Save him for the next or the first knockout phase game. That's really important. So very good decision. Pepe coming in, I think we know the kid. He's another number nine. He's a center forward. So I don't expect them to play in that way. I expect them to play a 4-4-2, either in a diamond or in a flat four. But I expect Pepe playing alongside Balugan up front. I mean, if he would play on the left wing, I think he would get a little bit wasted, in my opinion, if they play really that style in a 4-2-3-1.
6:04Jurgen Klinsmann:So I expect more 4-4-2. I mean, he can score goals. He proved that. You know, he's hungry, as they all are, you know, for World Cup games, for World Cup minutes. And, yeah, let's hope for best. But I think if they are able to keep up the energy and the aggressiveness and the willingness to help each other out on the field like they did in the first 45 minutes against Paraguay, there's only one winner today. This is the United States. Herc, up to this morning, you thought that Christian Pulisic would have some part to play in this based on the reports on what we were hearing about his calf injury.
6:42Herculez Gomez:So did his teammates. Tyler Adams told the press, relax, he's going to play. He'll be there. He's not here. He didn't train all week, and we've all been there. If you're not good enough to train, you're not good enough to play. He doesn't make the matchday squad. So is it really just a knock? So this is concerning because he's the face of the franchise. He's the best player you have. He's just coming off 45 minutes where he produced three goals. This is a level of now concern not only for this game that he's missing out, but what possibly he could miss out in the next games. You heard Jeff Breck.
7:13Herculez Gomez:You heard Juergen talk about he be ready for knockout phases. Well, you've got to get to the knockout phase first. Yeah. And it would be ideal to have your best player running on all cylinders when you get there, but you need him to get there. And against a team like Australia, which is very low block, at least they were against Turkey, eh? And if they're not against the United States men's national team, it's because they don't respect them enough like they did Turkey, eh? So if they go mid-block would be great for the U.S. men's national team. That's where they created all the space through the fluid movement that they have with Wesley McKinney, Malik Tillman, with the likes of Alex Freeman and him going inside, Sergino Des and Pulisic isolated outside.
7:46Herculez Gomez:That's where they created their damage in that mid block. But if there's now a low block, don't pay attention to this lineup. Don't pay attention because Ricardo Pepe and Christian Pulisic are not a like for like. One is a nine, and in the box nine, who can, yes, come out of the box and associate. And the other one is an all-purpose, 1v1 player, playmaker extraordinaire. They're not like for like. They're going to defend in what is a four, three, two, one, and they'll attack with a line of five. And what that means is Anthony Robinson now will create the width and create all by himself, like we saw in the first half, Alex, excuse me, Sergino Destu.
8:21Herculez Gomez:And the reason he was able to do that is because he had the likes of a Tyler Adams who could step in as a third center back. So you always had that protection. So Pochettino is smart enough to know that we're going to attack Australia, but the U.S. men's national team has to have stability. They can't risk Arrancunda in a counter or Traore in a counter or Jordan Boss or Metcalf going at you. So, yes, they will commit numbers and there'll be two in the box trying to create chances. But they're going to be very, very cautious of this counter from Australia. JJ, this probably doesn't surprise you because you were the one that had serious concerns about Pulisic based on what we were saying and how you saw him training as well this week about whether or not he'd be a part today.
9:00Yeah, and I think I still go father. Now, we talk about this game and everybody's like, oh, get him rested. He's maybe coming back for the next games. The question is, if he even gets ready for the next games. Because for me, I said at the beginning, when it's just a bruise, and we know that through experience, if you just have a bruise, you maybe sit out for two days and then you come back and you will start training with the team. But I don't see him training away from the team. That is a signal of trying to see if he can get over that pain what he has. So it's clearly they try to push it as long as possible to see if it works.
9:33And himself, like you said, that his own teammates talked and said, no, he will be there. So it clearly shows that his mind was, I will make it. But he still is not able to make it because the pain is still too big. So now he's out and Pepe comes in and Herk said it already. I think that what we see now with the lineup, with the formation, I don't think that's the complete style of play, how they will play. So I think they will go two in a four for two. but in the way that they're set up in the middle as a diamond. So that always gives you the chance to go back in the 5-2 because Adam can go between the center backs and you have your line of 5 in the back and you can push the outsides back up.
10:12But I think, yeah, it would be Adams, then two 8s with Weston and Dest. And then in front of that you have Weston, you have Tillman who has the freedom, what we saw already in the first game, but he has the freedom, he's good, he can create something. And you have in the front, you have clearly two strikers. And I think we need that today. We need two strikers who do a lot of work in the front because, like Herc said, Christian out. But I still have to trust in Pepe that he can do something to him. Well, Jeff and Breck, let me go back to you because I know you guys are big time and you have sports-centered to-do.
10:43So we're expecting a very physical, feisty, scrappy game between the USA and Australia. I know both of you guys love a scrap. So give me some predictions. How do you see this game playing out? The journey is ready to make it soon for me.
10:58Herculez Gomez:Uh, yeah, I mean, against Paraguay, U.S. showed that they can play pretty and beautiful, and it was beautiful, and it was fun to watch. But this game, or maybe in the future of this tournament, they're going to need to get scrappy and fight for all the balls, win every second ball, be first to tackle, and prove that they can win a game ugly. And like Mexico did against South Korea, they won the game. It doesn't matter. They got three points in the knockout stages, and I think that could happen today. If not today, at some point, we'll face that. Jeff, what about you? From the first moment of the game, we have to set the tone.
11:30Herculez Gomez:We've got to earn the right to play. And it's going to be 50-50 balls, first tackles, first everything. We need to be the one that dictates that. Once we get in control of the game, we create our tempo, we move that ball around pretty fast to create that space for Pepe to run in, Balogun to come underneath. Those combination plays are going to be really key for us to be successful against them. They're very stingy on letting goals. Everybody thought Turkey was going to run them over. They showed their resilience. We need to step up and do the same thing. Be strong. Our rest defense is vital today to have three points.
12:07All right, Jeff and Breck, thank you so much for joining us. We'll let you go ahead and do the SportsCenter hit as well as to enjoy the rest of that Houston FIFA Fan Fest. We're going to catch up with you guys later on. Right, so as the boys were saying, we are expecting quite a feisty game between the U.S. men's national team and Australia. We have seen it in recent past, and not just on the pitch, but off the pitch. Just listen to what Serginio Dest and Weston McKinney had to say about this one. We all know that Australia is a difficult opponent, you know, and obviously on paper, you know, you don't think they will win against anyone, but I think they're a team you shouldn't underestimate.
12:47Herculez Gomez:Australia's kind of using bulletin board material from the media to play with the chip on their shoulder. What makes them dangerous, though, on the pitch? I mean, they have size. That's for one. Balls in the box won't be easy to get on long balls. They have fast players up top. They can get in behind and be dangerous like that as well. But I think, you know, they're a team that was similar to us as well in a way that, you know, we play with the chip on our shoulder also. And we kind of have that mindset. and we're together as a team and, you know, we fight for each other and we run endlessly and tirelessly.
13:26And, yeah, I think they're very similar in that way. So I think it's just going to be a great game and a great battle. Ooh, pew, pew, pew. Shots fired there, at least I'm thinking from Serginio Desta especially. Herc, what did you make of what the boys had to say?
13:42Herculez Gomez:I don't think it was shots fired. No? No, I think he says on paper they're the lowest ranked team. They're the team that many would assume is the weakest team in this group. But I think the U.S., the players have been very respectful with Australia. It's been the punditry in the U.S., or lack thereof, that's been disrespectful and has given this team bulletin board material. The U.S. is by no means in a position to think they're better than anybody, and I think they understand that. They want to prove it on the field, just like they proved it against Paraguay. This team, and I think they know exactly who Australia is, they're going to be physical, they're going to be pragmatic.
14:13Herculez Gomez:the set pieces. Sutter is a guy who's 6 '6", the captain. He's a center back. I think he played with Jeff Cameron at Stoke. He's a guy that they constantly look for on set pieces. They're in for a fight. And that intensity that they got to show against Paraguay, it's going to be high of 80 in Seattle. And many will say, that's comfortable. Add another 10 degrees when you're on the field. Add that the ball won't roll the way it does. by the time they start getting into this game, the field will dry out. That intensity is going to be very difficult to maintain. Jermaine, you've been there under the sun.
14:48Herculez Gomez:You know what it's like. I don't know if both teams will be able to maintain that intensity. But I do know that whoever maintains that fight and that attention to detail can come out on top. Jeff mentioned that rest defense. It's exactly what Jermaine and I were just mentioning, how you have to have protection when you attack. You cannot leave yourself vulnerable for the counter. Today's about doing the right things. Crossing the T's, dotting the I's, checking the boxes. You need to make sure that when you go and you see an opportunity, you don't leave yourself floating back there. JJ, you love a scrap.
15:21I know that much. What did you make of what Boyce had to say there? Yeah, I'm with Herc. Because I don't think that they said anything disrespectful. So I'm being dramatic. Yeah. As usual. Okay, fair. but I think it's you know this is my point on the whole thing the team they know that they have to be respectful but or they have to be careful against every team you play in this World Cup that's how simple it is and I think the first thing it shows you that Turkey was it not and they got punished for that so if Turkey would go back they would say the same way they would say we better than Australia but they lost the game so and I think now is it for the US it's the same way you sit there and you look at the team and you say individual we the better team yes But we have to be on point because at the end games get lost when you make mistakes.
16:08You're not on point. In Australia, I think there will be a team that will come. They will try to bring the game to you. And that means they will wait for the situation to break on you because that's the strength, what they did against Turkey. And I think when the U.S. is smart and there's decisions when they have to press, when they defend against in a lower block or go high and press. I think then with all the respect to Australia, they have no chance. The players themselves, one-on-one, when you put them, the U.S. has better players. But the question would be, can they put it on the field? Because that's where you have to show it.
16:43Juergen, we hear so much about when teams have a chip on their shoulder. It usually makes them go out there and play even better because they feel like they have a point to prove. And for the first time in quite a long time, we've been praising the U.S. men's national team. And all the sorts of negative headlines, at least in the U.S. press, have been against Australia. So no doubt they'll be rearing up for a fight. This is an unfamiliar territory now for the U.S.
17:08Jurgen Klinsmann:Yeah, thankfully so. I think, you know, they're gaining more and more respect in the entire nation, but also globally with that outstanding performance against Paraguay. Now comes Australia. Australia is a team. I coached South Korea three years ago against Australia in the Asian Cup, and we want an extra time. And they are a team. They're trying to unbalance you. And they unbalanced Turkey. Turkey, at the end, had a crazy amount of chances to easily win the game. But they're trying to get you into your head. They're trying to make you lose focus. They're trying to make you do a mistake of concentration because they're constantly on you.
17:50Jurgen Klinsmann:They're constantly in your face. And this is what they're doing really, really well. And then it's a team that is very efficient. They just need two or three chances. It's a corner kick. It's a free kick. It's something else out of the game. And that's all it takes. You know, one counter break and all it takes. But until they get that chance, they will make sure that you are not getting your rhythm. You are not getting your fun part of the game, you know, and move the ball around quickly, nicely. They will always interfere with some small fouls, not fouls that requires immediately a yellow card or something.
18:26Jurgen Klinsmann:And they're good in that. And it's a team also that is mixed with European-based players. So they have all experience. They know how the game is played internationally. So, yeah, I mean, if we avoid the mistakes that Turkey did in a certain way, I think we're going to create enough chances to come out on the winning side.
18:48Herculez Gomez:So those images we just saw was the friendly versus Australia in Colorado back in October. Not so friendly. Not so friendly. And that goal comes off a throw-in. It's exactly what we're talking about, attention to detail. That goal comes off a throw-in, it's a roll-down, and Chris Richards' mistake that ends up in the back of the net. It was an alternate squad, but five of the players who will start tonight started in this game. As for Australia as well, an alternate squad, Irancunda, Traore weren't on the field, but if you look at the way this game played out, they were overly physical with Christian Pulisic.
19:18Herculez Gomez:He comes out before halftime injured. Australia may have said, we didn't want to injure, we didn't want to send that message, but the message was set. and the goals come off transition moments where there's heads up. Christian Roldan twice, heads up play, and it ends up in the back of the net and the U.S. Men's National Team wins. It's about taking advantage of the little things. Right, well, as the boys said, this U.S. Men's National Team does indeed have a lot more talented players than what they'll come up against against Australia, but can they keep their heads cool against them? We'll discuss that next.
19:56Herculez Gomez:Look, the economy is a lot right now. And if you're a small business owner, you probably feel it. You can't control interest rates or tariffs, but you can control how efficiently your business operates. Automating payroll and HR with Gusto is one of the fastest ways to cut friction and focus on what actually moves the needle. Gusto is online payroll and benefit software built for small businesses. It's all-in-one, remote-friendly, and incredibly easy to use, so you can pay, hire, onboard, and support your team from anywhere. It's quick and simple to switch to Gusto. Just transfer your existing data to get up and running fast.
20:34Herculez Gomez:Plus, don't pay a cent until you run your first payroll. And get direct access to certified HR experts to help support you through any tough HR situation. There's a reason Gusto is ranked number one on G2's highest satisfaction products list for 2026 and trusted by over 400 ,000 small businesses. Try Gusto today at gusto.com slash football and get three months free when you run your first payroll. That's three months of free payroll at gusto.com slash football. One more time, gusto.com slash football. If you've shopped online, chances are you've bought from a business powered by Shopify. You know that purple ShopPay button you see at checkout?
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22:32Welcome back. As we said, now the media has added a lot of fuel to this rivalry between the USA and Australia. Now the Aussie press is getting in on it, saying make America grown again. And that is from the Daily Telegraph. Well, remember, we keep talking about the last time these two played in a quote unquote friendly. Well, let's hear from Mauricio Pochettino, who experienced it.
22:56Herculez Gomez:We've spoken about the Australia friendly last year in Colorado. Non-official, no friendly. The unofficial match. Because if you see the game, that was tough. Thank you for correcting me. Exactly. This is what I want to ask you about, because that was a brutally physical game. They were brutal with their tackles. Pulisic was injured in a play that started with a foul. Yes. When you play non-official game, it's completely different. The games become more street games. Not friendly. Street games that are not friendly. So forget a friendly. It's an unofficial game, but it was more like street football.
23:32That is what we love to hear. Words from Mauricio Pochettino. This is exactly what happened last time the two sides played. Back in October 2025, as Herc was saying, Christian Pulisic almost got bullied off of the pitch, sustained an injury, and, well, he wasn't quite the Christian Pulisic of before after that, at least for his club. So, Jermaine, I know you love a physical battle on the pitch indeed. Will the USA, though, be able to keep their cool coming up against in Australia who is absolutely going to test them? Look, by the way, I loved it. Yeah. I loved it. And I will be always down. Did you keep it cool though?
24:10I will always be down for it. There was moments I wanted to keep it cool. But I think it's really important because you're in a tournament. You have to keep it cool. And then we go back to, again, yeah, they played a friendly, they won there 2-1, and it was a tough game. And, of course, Australia will look at this game and say, we got them there. We know how we have to play them. maybe we get out here today with the wind. But for the American team, it's like, don't let them get in your head. Play your game how you played it against Paraguay. But then on the opposite side too, be open for the challenge and love that because that's the fun part in this game too.
24:45If somebody wants to battle you, have that challenge, don't hide away. By the way, as US, I remember back in the days, that was our strengths. That was something we loved to do. We loved to compete. We like them to get in people's head. And yes, now we have a talent group. They really showed us in the first game an amazing first half-side. Talking German in German, half-time. But at the end, it comes down to them how much they want it. And I think if they don't let Australia get in their head, they will win that. Don't let Australia get in their head. That's easier said than done, Jürgen. How did you keep your team?
25:24How did you keep Jermaine in check?
25:28Jurgen Klinsmann:No, you got to let them go and do their stuff. You know, you cannot control Jermaine. Only Jermaine controls himself. And this is good that way because, I mean, the beauty of the game is that the decision-making is always done by the players. You know, the coach can give a couple of advisors and hopes it goes the right way, but the decisions are made by the players and they create everything on the field. I think that our team today has enough quality and also focus to not kind of lose control or make stupid decisions or make stupid maybe reactions to provocative fouls or physicality from Australia.
26:10Jurgen Klinsmann:I think that the boys know what is coming up. They obviously had that experience already in that friendly game. And I'm sure they keep their cool. And obviously, it would help to score like it did against Paraguay, even if it was an own goal. But it would help dramatically to score an early goal or maybe in the first 30 minutes a goal. Because Australia, they are just so dangerous with one or two moments. And they could kind of put you behind. and then you will struggle against a 5-4-1 formation mainly, especially defensively. So, yeah, I mean, a good positive start would help, but I'm sure they're going to get the job done.
26:54Herculez Gomez:Herc? I agree with Juergen. He said the same thing against Paraguay, and look what happened. They're forced to open up, and if you can invite a team that is so compact, well, the spaces will be there for you to take advantage of. Listen, I play with Jermaine. Jermaine always played on the edge, but he never put his team in a compromising position. And this is a short tournament. We've seen the U.S. Men's National League in short tournaments lose their head, a red card, and that puts them behind the eight ball for the rest of the tournament. They can't allow that. You've got to play on the edge.
27:24Herculez Gomez:And what I love is Juergen said you've got to let them be. You've got to let them go. Mauricio Pochettino realized with this team that letting them be and letting them go wasn't necessarily leading them closer to being more of a team, leading them closer to defend themselves and their teammates. So he invited them to be a little bit more of the aggressor. And it was around this time, these friendlies, where it's Australia-Paraguay, that we start seeing this team get in altercations. And they started showing a bit of a bite, a bit of that edge. They need to maintain that intensity, but they need to be intelligent.
27:56Herculez Gomez:And as far as Australia, Australia's a team that's going to fight for second balls. If you look at the goal that the U.S. Men's National Team gave up against Paraguay, it's a long free kick from the goalkeeper he kicks it off Chris Richards misses the header and it bounces over a few players until it's Enciso who could slide the ball into his player and he finishes it off it's route one but they don't win the first challenge and this is what South Africa is very good this is a throw-in this is a throw-in it's sacrilegious to get scored on on a throw-in this is Chris Richards a Premier League center back and Christian Roldan who is from the Sounders will be playing at home today.
28:34Herculez Gomez:This cannot happen. They need to be smarter than this. And if they can do those little things, they've put themselves, give themselves a chance to win this game. Did you ever have to hold Jermaine back? Did you ever dare? Not on the field. Off the field a couple of times. Ooh, off the field a couple of times. Juergen, close your ears. They were always well-behaved off the pitch. All right, well, there's nobody holding back this man. Flo Balogun, he showed us exactly what he can do in the first game, but can he do it consistently on the world's biggest stage. We'll talk about that next.
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31:07Well, this is your ExxonMobil legendary performance. And of course, it is from the New York native himself, Flo Balogun against Paraguay. Two goals for the big man up front and the New York native who is coming off of a great season for Monaco. Almost 20 goals in all competitions for club. And now at this World Cup for the U.S. men's national team, he is already off the mark. But the big question is, can he consistently do this for the USA, especially now at the World Cup? We talk about the big guys up front. For example, a hurricane, we see exactly how useful he is for England, for Bayern. Then you talk about an Erling Haaland for Manchester City and for Norway, what he's already done.
31:46Can Flo Balogun be that Mr. Consistent Herc for the USA this summer?
31:50Herculez Gomez:Well, he has to be that Mr. Consistent for the U.S. Men's National Team this summer. If they are to do something special, especially with Christian Pulisic, the best player of the team, not playing. And we don't know what he's going to be like for the foreseeable future. So he's got to be that talisman. That stat right there was bearing the lead. Second player with a multi-goal game. Yeah. First player since 1930. No American has. And we've had some very good players for the U.S. Men's National Team that have done very good things at the world stage. Clint Dempsey has scored in three different World Cups.
32:21Herculez Gomez:Landon Donovan has five World Cup goals. Those goats, Brian McBride and how good he's been, multiple goals in World Cups. None of those players had a multi-goal game in a World Cup. And here comes Foller and Balogun, not even in his prime, full of confidence. And if you don't believe the confidence you're seeing on the field right now, look at his season with Monaco. Look at the Champions League. He was scoring multiple goals in multiple games against that little team. What's it called? That Luis Enrique team. PSG. So this is a player right now that's bringing with confidence at the right moment.
32:50Brimming with confidence indeed, Jürgen, but are there different layers to his game? Because if he's not scoring consistently, is he able to help out and create, for example, like how Harry Kane is doing? I know that is a very big comparison to make, but what do you think about probably different facets to his game? Is there more to it?
33:09Jurgen Klinsmann:well I think you know the part like Harry Kane did now over the last two three years at Bayern Munich becoming almost like a playmaker going back like a number 10 and and those are things that Follarin doesn't need to think about right now the only thing he needs to think about is you know if I get an opportunity or I get three maybe I put in two so his goal scoring kind of ratio will improve you know he will get more mature he will be calmer in certain situations but But what he's doing already now in his early career is fantastic. I think we haven't seen that from a U.S. kid in that way. You know, I mean, he was playing on the highest stage in the Champions League.
33:47Jurgen Klinsmann:I talked to a lot of people at Ace Monaco still today in one of my former teams, and they're full of compliments for him. And if he scores another two, three goals in this World Cup, you know, I mean, if he ends up with four, five, six goals, which is totally doable, because obviously we had another game going forward than in the knockout phase. then is on the paper of the big, big Premier League teams. So the sky is the limit for Follarin. So now he just needs to stay focused and needs to wait for his chances, obviously do the work for the team, but he doesn't need to become a Harry Kane on that level as of right now.
34:24Jurgen Klinsmann:You know, you have plenty of years ahead of you. I think he can improve in several aspects, but that is normal. I mean, he's still very young. I think it just makes us all excited about a kid like him, to see him and obviously how the first game went. And now we are getting hungry for more. We are hungry for more, indeed, especially after what we saw he can do in that opening game. But you know what they say, comparison is a thief of joy. So Flo, stick to your game, stick to the finesse. All right, but you know, I love strikers scoring goals, but you know what I love even more, which we're going to see in our Tales from the Pitch, when other players in other positions score absolute screamers.
35:05Look at that, man. That's our JJ back in 2014 scoring an absolute screamer against the one and only Portugal. JJ, take us back to that moment. Did you miss that hair? Bring back the locks. Bring back the locks, man. As a Jamaican, I want to see the locks, JJ. No, no, the hair's gone. That moment, yeah, it was a special moment. I think it's not only because of the goal. I think, yes, it's a part of it because you as a young boy, you dream that maybe one day you can play on that stage as a World Cup. Then you score a goal. It's the biggest you can achieve, especially for your country. But I think it's, you know, the whole process going to the World Cup, travel with the boys, have that morning's wake up, driving with the bus to the stadium, have the families in the stands, all that.
35:52And then I think for me was the biggest point was that when we got home and I realized like how much momentum or moments you created because of a goal with other people where people tell you man when you scored that that goal I was there I did this and everybody then that's what I say that's the beauty on this game that why we I think all love it in um yeah I look back and I I always say man we're getting old 2014 is not that long ago Herc you remember when JJ scored that one of
36:24Herculez Gomez:course I was a pass the oh good shot great shot and the reason because Jermaine's asked to do different things. Jermaine's not a goal scorer. Jermaine's asked to be aggressive, to hunt the ball. He's asked to be a defensive facilitator. He's asked to play simple. He's asked everything besides that moment, and yet he gives you that moment. So that's what makes these moments so special. Sometimes the unsung heroes get their moment and get it at the world's greatest stage, and to drop a golazo like that in a World Cup is special. To do it against a team like Portugal and the Group of Death, even more.
36:55This is just a JJ love fest right now, So let's bring Jürgen in because, Jürgen, you know exactly what it's like to score big goals in big moments on the biggest stage. But that one from JJ was definitely very special, especially because, as Herc said, we didn't expect it to come from him, respectfully.
37:13Jurgen Klinsmann:Yeah, but that's what I said before. You got to let the guys execute whatever they feel in their stomachs, whatever comes up in their brains. And this was just a brilliant, brilliant moment from Jermaine. I mean, the decision that he made quickly, you know, to pull the trigger. And I don't know. I mean, if you would have measured that speed of the ball, it was definitely over 100 kilometers an hour. It was a fantastic goal. And, I mean, for us coaches then to see, to witness that on the bench with all the other players on the bench, you know, these are the moments that you will never forget. And obviously, you score that goal against Portugal, against nobody else than Cristiano Ronaldo.
37:55Jurgen Klinsmann:that will always remain with you, you know, and it remains obviously the most with Jermaine, but it remains, as he said, with his family, with the fans, with us, you know, the staff. And those are the brilliant moments that when you have, you know, and you see each other after your career here and there for a beer somewhere, then this moment will always come up. All right. Well, Juergen mentioned the magic word there, beer. We're going to have to buy a couple for Jermaine as we remember that one. But speaking of beer, we're going to take a quick break. But when we come back, you might have heard that Boston is running dry of beer.
38:28And that's because the Tartan Army has taken over New England. We'll be looking at them next.
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40:15Herculez Gomez:Help protect your family with life insurance through Ethos. Get your instant free quote at ethos.com slash sports. That's ethos.com slash sports. Application times and rates may vary. Well, the Scots are back at a World Cup for the first time since 1998, and boy, are they making up for lost time. As you know by now, the scenes of the Tartan Army in New England, specifically Boston, where they have been taking in baseball games, enjoying the local cuisine and having a lot of beer. Well, here's Chris Turner, who managed to hang out with them.
40:54Jurgen Klinsmann:We all know what a Scotsman keeps under his kilt, but what does he keep in his sparring? I've asked these chaps to give me stuff from their sparrans. Beto, drop that beat. We're going to wrap everything that's put into my hand right now. First things first from you, my friend. What have you got? What are we pulling out? That's shades.
41:09Herculez Gomez:Thank you for explaining. Look at this. Cool. The UV's off the charts, the heat's much higher Got the flag on the starts, that's the nice salt tire Blue and the white, I understand you Handing it back, you got the flag with the cross of St.
41:22Jurgen Klinsmann:Andrew I'm grabbing it up, you know, popping the collar I really holler, got the two or twenty, plenty of dollars You know you heard me, getting the forty Got Andrew Jackson on, he's quite naughty A lot of controversy, that, I be taking it Chuck it up, wearing the hat, it's like a hat on a hat You know I'm thrilled when I chuck it Get it over there, I'm returning the bucket Picking it up, yes, I must ask
41:44Herculez Gomez:Basically, this is a Scottish bus pass You can get the transport free, it's hysterica They don't understand free buses in America They get confused, you know that I want one Respect, my guy's got the condom Of course, the Durex I admire Let me check the back, yo, it's not expired Keeping it safe, that's what we need What else you got, guys? Take heed, taking it out
42:06Jurgen Klinsmann:I'm so glad that you asked They're over here on the street They've all got flasks, no need to pay. Yes, that's the bit, getting it out. Yeah, yeah, we're drinking a hit. Take a wee little dram, it's risky. If you're under 21, you can still get the whiskey. That's what we need. Yeah, we star these, my guys, pop it up with the tartan army. Make sure not a drop of that gets spilled. And please don't show the camera underneath your kilt.
42:32Herculez Gomez:Wow, absolute bars there. My man's got more confidence than maybe Scotland has tonight. Oh, my absolute days. Stay safe out there. Anyways, these are the group C standings because that's where you will find Scotland. They have a big game tonight indeed. And they have a big group as they also have to contend with the likes of Brazil in their group. So this is a nice group, Jermaine. What are you looking forward to from the games tonight? Oh, it's an open group. But I think I like the game Scotland-Morocco. I think that's an interesting game. It's a good game. I think the physicality of Scotland.
43:10But then Morocco is a good team. And I think this whole group is still open because Brazil had a little bit tough to get into the group. But with all the respect to Haiti, you would say that normally they would go into this game and try to have to win it. So you have three guys. They're running for the top of the table. So it will be interesting to see. Well, you'd remember the last World Cup in Qatar. It was Morocco's fan base that absolutely won the hearts of many as well. So we'll see who can out-vibe the other, the Tartan Army or Morocco's fan base.
43:42Herculez Gomez:Or Haiti or Scotland. Or Haiti or Brazil. Yes, it's the party group there. Very good teams, by the way. Brazil and Morocco, they played themselves to a draw. So now it's a race for goal differential to win the group because you'd have to assume that both would go out the next couple games with a couple of wins. So it'll be an interesting finish. Interesting finish, Indy. And speaking of an interesting finish, that's exactly what we saw last night as Mexico booked their spot into the round of 32 and topped their group with a big win over South Korea. It just sent all of the Mexicanos everywhere around the world, but especially in Mexico, into absolute pandemonium.
44:23Let's have a look at the standings because you will see what it means. As I said, Mexico officially booking their spot in the next round with a game to spare. This was undoubtedly going to be their biggest game of the group, but it was just one goal from Romo and a hand of God save from Talarangel that were able to get the Mexicans through to the next round. Juergen, what did you make of the game? Because, of course, it wasn't a beautiful, sexy performance from Mexico, but it is tournament football. It is the World Cup, and they got the job done.
44:58Jurgen Klinsmann:I think the game was interesting because, obviously, and how it developed. You could feel like none of the two wanted to lose that game. It was more with the mindset, I'm not conceding a goal, and sooner or later I score a goal. So after Mexico scored, then their goal, they backed off, and they let South Korea come back into the game a bit. South Korea created one or two really good chances. Mexican goalkeeper was outstanding, and especially in the chance from Gusong Cho with the double save that he did. But what made me really curious, since I coached South Korea for a year, a couple of years ago, was the substitution of Son.
45:40Jurgen Klinsmann:Because he got subbed out with no injury, nothing. And he brought in basically two young strikers that changed also the system of South Korea and the way to play. And then after that, Kang In-Li, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, started to get more in the playmaker role and got more balls. And so this technical change that left a lot of questions, especially with the South Koreans. I spoke to some of them last night then, late, and they were all kind of just brutally surprised that Son was subbed out so early in the game because there was no injury being mentioned at all. Yeah, I think that definitely was a substitution that surprised a lot of us.
46:21But Herc, now looking at it from the Mexico perspective, as well. They were booed at halftime. And for them to finally come back, get this performance, albeit it wasn't the sexy football that I'm sure we're used to from Mexico, this is exactly what was needed.
46:35Herculez Gomez:You know what else you're not used to from Mexico? Them wrapping up the group with two games in the World Cup. Them posting multiple shutouts in a World Cup group phase. Them going nine out of twelve games, posting a zero at the back. You're not used to that, Mexico. And I do not understand what people want out of Javier Aguirre and this Mexican national team. You don't bring Javier Aguirre, by the way, the third coach in this World Cup cycle, to play beautiful football, progressive football, expansive football. You bring him to save a burning house. He's a bombero, which translates in Spanish to the fireman.
47:09Herculez Gomez:That's the type of coach that he is. He is pragmatic. This design, this 11, was to absorb the midfield runs, the third man running from South Korea, which was so good against Czechia. And Jürgen talks about Son. Son was pocketed by Johan Vazquez and Edson Alvarez from minute one. He was a non-factor in this game. They didn't have the mobility that they had against Czechia, and that's because of the area that was populated by Javier Aguirre and the setup, the profile player he put there. It was by no means pretty, sexy, none of that. But it was a win. And it was a win in a group phase for the second time that qualifies them already to win the group and round of 32 in a cycle where they're coming off the darkest period of their nation's sporting history.
47:59Herculez Gomez:So all that booing, all this stuff about it not being sexy, I don't understand it. I do not understand it. But they're in a position right now where they're first in the group. They will go on and face around a 32 team, which would be a favorable matchup. A win's a win, pretty or ugly. They will happily take it all day, every day. Well, something else we will take very soon, next month, specifically July 5th, is when NWSL returns on ESPN. The game that will kick things off, Boston Legacy against Bay FC. That's a noon kickoff on ESPN. Well, we're just about nine minutes away from kickoff between the USA and Australia.
48:33When we come back, I'll get predictions from the whole crew.
48:40Welcome back. We are counting down to kickoff between the USA and Australia. this World Cup but also join us after the game for a special edition of ESPN FC. We will be talking all things from this game as well as some of the other results we have seen around the World Cup. All right, as promised, it is prediction time. Let's get predictions from these guys. It's going to be a feisty encounter, a physical encounter, an exciting encounter is what we're hoping for. So, JJ, let me start with you. What say you, USA, Australia? I will go with... Oh! Wait, wait, no, no. You got to carry it all the way.
49:17I was wondering. I was like, uh-oh. Got me nervous. I know. I'm going with the U.S. What I said before, I think it's the individual quality. I think the first game we saw, I have just a good feeling. And I hope it too, because I like the group. I played for this country and I want to see them making the next step and taking a battle. And yeah, so I go with them 2-1. 2-1. All right. So in for the U.S. Juergen, let me come to you next. What say you? USA, Australia or a draw?
49:51Jurgen Klinsmann:Well, I think, you know, it would be fantastic, you know, with a win of the U.S. team because joining then Mexico, joining also the wave that now Canada is riding on. If you beat today Australia, then this tournament is taking off in an entire country, but also globally. if you have all three host nations basically going through to the knockout phase, this is huge. That's why I go for the U.S. and my guess is a 3-1 for the U.S. Ah, Juergen's going for 3-1 USA.
50:19Herculez Gomez:Herc? I love what Juergen just said about all three host nations doing well and how great that would be for this tournament. I agree, Juergen. I'm going to go 3-1 as well for the U.S., but it's not going to be the way that probably most think. I think it's going to be a 1-1 game, very hard-fought game up until late, the second one, and then Australia's going to commit numbers. And the U.S. will get the third, the traditional 3-1. But I think set pieces will be very important here. And attention to detail. This team's going to come out to fight. It's not going to be an easy game. It's not going to be an easy game at all.
50:46We saw what happened in that unofficial game. We're not calling it a friendly because it was far from. So that's why I think I am going to go still with a U.S. win on this one. I almost wanted to go for a draw because I do believe Australia know how to frustrate this U.S. team. But again, on paper, I think the talent is there. I love the injection of Ricardo Pepe because I do rate him so much. I do think he can show that he creates a lot and that can hopefully make up for some of what the USA are going to miss without Christian Pulisic. So speaking of this, of course, the breaking news, no Christian Pulisic in Mauricio Pochettino's 11.
51:20He's not even on the bench. Remember, he did pick up a calf injury when he went up against Paraguay, taken off at halftime. He's been training separately away from the team all week. We were hoping that he would be back. The report sounded positive, but in the end, no Christian Pulisic. And, JJ, let me come to you on this one because we're just looking at the stats of how the USA play with and without Pulisic. You know what it's like to play with your talisman on a team, how much a team relies on that, leans into that. It could go for better, like a Harry Kane or an Erling Haaland, or for the worst as well as we saw with Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo.
51:57So how much of a miss is this going to be for the U.S.? Look, as a player, I always looked at it this way. If he's 100 % fit, he's the key player, and I think everybody knows that. But if he's not 100 % fit, then you have to rely on the other guys and you have to have the trust in them. And Pepe comes in, and I think that he showed, too, that he has the quality to help this team. And I think we will see a good team today, and I hope that we get the win. Jürgen, what do you think about this, too? Do you think anybody else, at least on that 11, possesses that same sort of star power, that X factor, that Christian Pulisic?
52:39Jurgen Klinsmann:Yeah, I think Tyler Adams in a different way. I think definitely Vester McKinney has a lot of personality, that kid. You know, he can play all over the place, can play multiple. There are two, three other guys, you know, that can step in as leaders. Also leaders by example doesn't mean he has to scream around at the other person. But there's a lot of personality in that group of players, so I'm very confident. Herc?
53:02Herculez Gomez:Giovanni Reyna. The goal that we saw the last goal versus Paraguay is something that I think we may get to see again today in Seattle. If Australia is sitting deep, you're going to need a moment of magic, a moment of creativity. He's the type of player that can unlock a defense. That's how it could go down. As far as Christian Pulisic, Jermaine, what would it take for you not to be playing in this World Cup game? You'd have to be pretty much on crutches, right? So this is, for me, something to keep an eye on because to miss a World Cup game, he's got to be hurting. You surprised Gio Reyna didn't get the nod?
53:31Herculez Gomez:Not really because it's going to be a physical battle and he's not proved to be 90 minutes fit, so you have to start somebody who you think might be 90 minutes fit. JJ, quickly, you were surprised he didn't get the nod. I said from the beginning, I think if he's not fit 100%, then it's not. All right. Well, as we know, the USA are about to take their second game of this World Cup, and it's going to be a juicy one up against Australia. Thanks so much to Juergen, Jeff, Breck, Herc, and JJ, and you guys for watching us. But don't go too far. We'll be back at the full-time whistle.
54:09Herculez Gomez:Turn it up. Storm has zero sugar and 200 milligrams of caffeine, so you can turn that workout up a notch. Good energy in, good energy out. Energy for life.
From the publisher
The Futbol Americas crew looks ahead to the USMNT's clash with Australia. Breaking news: Christian Pulisic is out. Who is going to step up? Later, we head to Boston to check in on the Tartan Army takeover of Boston. Then, we have a quick recap of Mexico's knockout round clinching win vs. South Korea last night. How far can this team go? Finally, Alexis, Herc, Jermaine, and Jurgen make their picks for the game.
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