USMNT at Copa America: What did Brazil draw, loss to Colombia teach us ahead of USA’s big summer?

With less than 10 days until the start of the Copa América against Bolivia, we have now seen the best and worst of the United States men’s national team. They recovered from a record defeat to Colombia for draw Brazil despite being outclassed, which makes you wonder where the team stands as a whole under Gregg Berhalter. They responded to their challenge at the best possible time to enter the tournament with some confidence, but the real USMNT is probably somewhere in the middle of these teams.

Facing Colombia five times, I don’t think the USMNT would concede five goals again, but also facing Brazil five times, they will probably lose at least three of those matches. While this isn’t ideal, it’s also a glimpse into what happens when you’re not among the top five teams in the world. Some teams will overcome the USMNT, but it is important that they fight until the end of each match because in a knockout tournament you never know what will happen if a game goes to extra time or penalties.

Going into the Copa América, what do we know after these friendly preparations?

Joe Scally starts at right back

One of the biggest issues facing the USMNT after Sergino Dest fell with a rupture in the anterior cruciate ligament, he was the one who would fill the gap on the right side. Our last experience with Joe Scally during the Nations League was unforgettable, but to his credit, he recovered and made a good defensive change against Brazil. Although Scally needed the help of Tim Weah and Gio Reyna considering his defensive mission was Vinícius Junior, this is understandable. He was still able to step up and make things happen in the attacking third and the added confidence will do him good. Starting the group stage with Bolivia and then Panama will provide more familiar challenges for Scally before their next big test against Uruguay which should only help with cohesion in defense.

Getting past the round of 16 will require some help

When the Copa América draw took place, the question arose that even if the USMNT made it out of Group C, they would face the challenge of facing Colombia or Brazil in the round of 16. After facing both of them, it’s very difficult to see the USMNT in this current state outperforming either of them in a major match. It may seem easier to beat Colombia, but their defense can put up an entire wall of determination, while Brazil have some of the best attackers in the world. Matt Turner he had to make 11 saves just to save the draw against Brazil and more would be needed if he played a match that lasted 120 minutes. Strange things can happen in knockout tournaments and to get past the round of 16, the USMNT is hoping for favorable conditions.

The USMNT will go as far as Christian Pulisic take them

Scoring his first goal from a free kick for the USMNT against Brazil is quite a moment for Christian Pulisic and he also took six shots, putting four on target. Although Alisson was there to face most of them, he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and against any number of opponents, he could have had two or more. This is the Pulisic the USMNT needs in every game. He was engaged, motivated and even played defense, leading by example as team captain. He is one of the members of the team who, when in good form, can surpass any player in the world and this will be necessary in the Copa América.