Luna, Essential: Pochettino Praises USMNT’s Performance in the Gold Cup

Pochettino Praises Diego Luna After Gold Cup Victory

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed his admiration for Diego Luna’s performance, following his outstanding performance in the Gold Cup semi-final against Guatemala, where he scored two goals.

“Your attitude, hunger, desire, everything, and of course, the talent will appear. That’s what we expect from our athletes, that’s what we want,” Pochettino commented after the match at Energizer Park.

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino highlighted Luna’s determination to play for the national team, emphasizing his commitment since the January camp. Luna, 21 years old, scored in the fourth and 15th minutes of the semi-final. The match was also marked by Guatemala’s offensive pressure, which scored a goal in the 80th minute, forcing the United States to defend with zeal.

“I think we handled it very well, I think it’s an incredible experience. I think this team deserves great recognition for reaching the final,” added Pochettino.

Mauricio Pochettino

Luna, who has three goals and two assists in five games, praised her teammates.

“It’s the grit, it’s the determination that we’ve lacked. To be honest, it’s fighting until the end. Every ball, every moment. The game is about moments, and I think that’s where we showed it,” Luna stated after the close victory.

Diego Luna

Pochettino also praised the atmosphere created by the Guatemalan fans, who turned the St. Louis stadium into a hotbed. He stressed that this is an example of football culture worldwide.

“An incredible energy. That’s football, that’s football,” said the American coach.

Mauricio Pochettino

The United States will face the winner of the other semi-final between Mexico and Honduras in the Gold Cup final on Sunday at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.