USMNT shines against Japan: Messi and Ronaldo, last dance at the World Cup?

Analysis of the International Day: United States, South America and the Farewell of the Legends

Welcome to Alofoke Deportes! This week, we analyze the highlights of the FIFA date, from the joy in West Africa and the heights of El Alto in South America, to the optimism in Columbus, Ohio. Here, our expert’s vision on the World Cup qualifiers.

United States: A Glimmer of Hope

After the 2-0 defeat against South Korea, the United States men’s team finally gave reasons to believe, defeating Japan 2-0 in Columbus, Ohio. Coach Mauricio Pochettino reacted to the defeat against South Korea with tactical and lineup changes, betting on a scheme that would counteract Japan’s possession game. He resumed his 3-4-3 formation, similar to that used in his days at Southampton and Tottenham, with the aim of pressing, attacking and exploiting the spaces created by the high Japanese pressure. It was the old-school Pochettino, and it worked.

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Christian Pulisic, who was not in the squad during the summer, shone, generating opportunities and assisting Balogun. Alex Zendejas also stood out, crowning his performance with a goal. The importance of Chris Richards in central defense is crucial for the American team. Although the result against Japan is secondary, the match showed the personality of a cohesive and creative team, the best performance since Pochettino took over. However, playing all the friendlies at home might not be ideal, as the real challenges will come. It would be beneficial for the team to face bigger rivals in hostile environments.

Pochettino and his team responded to the critics with a great victory for the United States over Japan, but they need to face tougher tests to be ready for next summer’s World Cup.The United States’ upcoming friendly matches will be against Ecuador, Australia, Paraguay, and Uruguay, all on U.S. soil. Then, they could face European giants like Belgium and Portugal. Always playing at home does not benefit the team, especially in a World Cup. Tuesday’s big game was a positive step, and we hope it is a sign of progress and confidence for the future.

South America and Africa: Surprises in the Ranking

In South America, Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay had already secured their place for the World Cup. Attention focused on Venezuela and Bolivia, competing for seventh place, which grants access to the intercontinental play-off. Bolivia, taking advantage of the altitude of El Alto, defeated Brazil 1-0 and secured the repechage spot. Bolivia is closer to returning to a World Cup since 1994. In Africa, Cape Verde achieved a historic 1-0 victory over Cameroon, leading their qualifying group. One more victory would qualify them for a World Cup for the first time. This achievement is a testament to the team’s work, which had already had an outstanding participation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The End of an Era: Messi and Ronaldo Say Goodbye

Lionel Messi played his last World Cup qualifying match with Argentina, scoring two goals. Although Argentina lost against Ecuador, Messi will no longer play qualifying matches and his participation in the next World Cup is not guaranteed. Messi, who finished as the top scorer in the South American qualifiers with eight goals, did not play in Guayaquil, as he was preparing for the MLS playoffs with Inter Miami.

“Given my age, the most logical thing is that it won’t happen. I’m taking it day by day, game by game…”.

Lionel Messi

Meanwhile, in Europe, Cristiano Ronaldo also had a successful international window, surpassing Messi in World Cup qualifying goals. Ronaldo equaled Carlos Ruiz as the all-time leading scorer in qualifying history. Ronaldo, at 40, seeks to play his sixth World Cup, just like Messi. Will the 2026 World Cup be the last dance of these legends? A generation will remember their rivalry, and we, with satisfaction, will be able to say: “We were there”.