Portugal’s 2-0 victory over the US highlights the host nation’s struggles against elite teams just months before the World Cup kicks off on home soil.
BRUNO Fernandes orchestrated a 2-0 victory for Portugal over the United States, exposing the World Cup co-hosts’ ongoing difficulties against top-tier opposition.
The Manchester United playmaker provided two assists in a commanding display at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Fernandes first set up Francisco Trincao with a clever backheel before finding a completely unmarked Joao Felix from a corner to double the lead.
It marked a second underwhelming friendly defeat in three days for the US, following a 5-2 thrashing by Belgium. Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s experiment of deploying Christian Pulisic as a striker failed to yield results, with the captain missing several chances before being substituted at halftime.
Pulisic had an early effort blocked and failed to connect with a dangerous Timothy Weah cross. His best moment, a 25-yard strike, flashed just wide before Portugal took control.
Fernandes, played through by Vitinha, provided the deft touch for Trincao to slot home. Pulisic’s frustrating half ended with a booking after a clash with Henrique Araujo.
“We put a lot of pressure on them in the first half of both the games, and we were able to create chances,” Pulisic said. “If I finish a couple chances — which I know I’m going to — things are going to be a bit different.”
Pochettino reverted to a more traditional setup in the second half, introducing striker Patrick Agyemang. Portugal made seven changes but maintained their rhythm, with Felix volleying home Fernandes’s corner to seal the win.
The defeat extends the US’s losing streak against European sides to eight matches. Pochettino, however, insisted his team can break that curse when the World Cup begins.
“Always [it] is the hope the first time is going to be in the World Cup,” he said.
The coach defended scheduling tough friendlies, arguing it is essential preparation for a squad he admits lacks the star power of its rivals. “We are the USA. And we are competing against Belgium, Portugal,” Pochettino said.
“I think for sure, Belgium and Portugal have in the top 100, a few, or some players playing in that top 100. I think we don’t have. That is why it is good to play against this type of team.”
US goalkeeper Matt Freese made two excellent late saves to prevent a heavier defeat. The World Cup kicks off on June 11, with the US facing Paraguay, Australia and Turkey in Group C.
