Moon, Unleashed: Pochettino Praises USMNT’s “Hunger” at Gold Cup

United States manager Mauricio Pochettino praised Diego Luna, who scored two goals, after the 2-1 victory over Guatemala in the Gold Cup semi-final.

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.

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino highlighted Luna’s determination to represent the national team, citing his commitment since the January camp. Luna, 21 years old, scored in the 4th and 15th minutes of the match. The United States team was forced to defend itself in the final stages of the match after Guatemala’s goal in the 80th minute.

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.

Mauricio Pochettino

Luna, with three goals and two assists in five matches, praised his teammates.

It’s the grit, it’s the determination 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.

Diego Luna

Pochettino also praised the atmosphere created by the Guatemalan fans, describing it as an example of global football culture. An incredible energy. That is football, that is football. When we say the connection between the fans and the team, that is the connection we would like to see at the World Cup. The United States will face Mexico in the Gold Cup final on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium in Houston. Mexico historically leads in Gold Cup titles with nine, while the United States has seven.