The pressure that will be felt Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., will send revirberations across the international football landscape.
Team USA and coach Gregg Berhalter need a win to advance past the group stage but meet one of the Copa America favorites in Uruguay.
If they don’t come out on top against a strong Uruguay team, nothing is off the table, including replacingn Berhalter for the poor results.
The U.S. Men’s National Team looked strong in the early going against Panama, but a questionable red card foul on Timothy Weah left Team USA down a man for the remaining of the match.
Berhalter’s group quickly scored after losing a man, but things compeltely unraveled from there, with the team looking lost and unprepared for the shorthanded challenge.
USA vs. Uruguay prediction
(9 p.m. ET, FS1)
It is at least slightly surprising to see Team USA as favorites, considering Uruguay’s edge in talent.
Team USA had serious expectations in this year’s tournament and it is unclear at this time whether goalkeeper Matt Turner will play.
If not, he will be sorely missed.
Weah is also suspended for Monday’s match, forcing team USA to pay without one of their best attackers.
Add all of that together, and you’ll get a tough picture ahead for the Americans.
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They should not be favored in this one given the vast amount of uncertainty in their lineup, combined with the drama already surrounding the squad.
In retrospect, losing this game could be a blessing in disguise if it lands them a stronger coach.
PICK: Uruguay wins (+190, FanDuel) | Long shot: Same-game parlay (+801) – Christian Pulisic scores (+290) + Uruguay +0.5 (-198)