Former England defender Matthew Upson has highlighted the biggest disappointment from the USMNT’s World Cup exit.
The United States have been eliminated from the tournament at the Round of 16 following their 4-1 defeat to Belgium.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side had enjoyed an amazing World Cup, and many expected them to reach the quarter-finals.
Unfortunately, the USA players did not show up at Lumen Field and will play no further part in the tournament.
Upson has explained what the USMNT stars will probably regret when they reflect on their heavy defeat to Belgium.
Why Matthew Upson believes the USMNT will regret their World Cup defeat
While the result was not overly surprising, few expected Belgium to dominate the USMNT like they did on Monday night.
They had 15 shots (seven on target), whereas the USA had just six shots (two on target), despite having more possession.
Upson wished Pochettino’s team showed more endeavour in the final third, given that it was a win-or-go-home situation.
“If you are going to go out, then go out swinging,” Upson said on commentary for BBC Sport.
“Have a pop. If this game doesn’t change in the next half an hour, then that is something the US will look back on.
“It just hasn’t happened in this game for whatever reason. It would be a real shame because from the other games it has been quite a positive tournament.”
The USMNT will receive major criticism for their lacklustre performance, but their three victories should not be forgotten.
They deserve credit for winning their group and their first knockout round game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Hopefully for the USMNT, this World Cup will be a stepping stone towards bigger and better things in the foreseeable future.
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