Davey Newlove Sports Blog

I’m still working on getting over the heartbreak of the crashing out of the . Here’s my post match thoughts on the USA v Belgium match.

1. The US continued their struggles against European squads. Every time we come up against them we seem to lose ourselves and crumble under pressure. That was evident tonight. The lads played their worst performance of the tournament at the worst possible time. Hopefully the federation can find the root cause of the problem and rectify it over the next 4 years.

2. Self inflicted wounds cost the US greatly tonight. The first goal was avoidable. 3 US players stood in the box watching the ball land and fall to Belgian players. The second goal saw the US get caught sleeping just seconds after pulling the match level. The third goal was an absolute howler from Freese as he completely misplayed the ball and failed to clear it while he was well outside the box. That goal was the real backbreaker that took the wind out of our sails. All 3 goals could have and should have been avoided.

3. Tillman was fantastic once again tonight. Even as many players on the squad struggled Tillman shined. He scored another goal on a great free kick (with a little help from a deflection). He was all over the pitch in the attack and on defense. I’m glad he chose to play for the US as he is a high quality player.

4. Pulisic was really off his game tonight. I’m not sure if it was the pressure that Belgium was putting him under or if it was the pressure of the match in general, but he was far off the quality we all know he has tonight. I can’t imagine being in his shoes with all the pressure to be the one star for the US, but I really hope that he can figure out how to play with that pressure at some point in his career. He’s a fantastic talent. Disappointing from him tonight.

5. The Belgian defense did a fantastic job at neutralizing Balogun. He couldn’t seem to find the space that he had found in the past. I get that this was more difficult competition, but the US needed to find different ways to get him free. The service they were giving him was quite poor as well. Hard for Balogun to shine if he doesn’t get fed.

6. I thought Reyna was quite good off the bench tonight. Unfortunately it was too little too late for him. I wonder how much different the match could have been if he had started. I felt like he really got after the Belgian players and added some good creativity to the attack. Glad that he will have at least another World Cup cycle in him.

7. This loss really hurts, but I feel like this tournament has created a soccer movement in the US that will only help grow the sport in this country which will help lead to better quality players coming into the USMNT. One future player to watch is 16 year old Cavan Sullivan at Philadelphia right now. He will make a move to Manchester City when he turns 18. Hopefully there are more like him coming.

Next up: The USMNT will now begin preparing for the next World Cup hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The now gear up for the World Cup next year in Brazil. Hopefully the ladies can bring the Cup home next year!

So disappointed right now. The played their worst match of the at the worst possible time. I’ll do my post match write up later, but for now some whiskey to help with the sadness

Already hearing the Mexican fans starting in on the homophobic chant against England. One idea for FIFA to get a grip on a good punishment for this chant is every time the Mexican fans use it, it counts as a goal conceded

That is 2 lightning fast strikes from England and Jude Bellingham and now Mexico has their work cut out for them. 2-0 to England. They need to stay locked in to win this one

Great win for Norway 🇳🇴. I didn’t see them beating Brazil 🇧🇷, but they earned it. Also loved seeing Haaland get revenge on Gabriel like that. Maybe Haaland is also a Tottenham fan now too? Hahaha

This is great news for the . Very glad Balogun can play

USA Star Folarin Balogun Cleared To Play In World Cup Match vs. Belgium This is a huge turn for the USA ahead of its World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium.

Tonight the won their second ever knockout round match in the . It was a wild match that was massively stressful. Here are my thoughts on the 2-0 victory over Bosnia.

1. Folarin Balogun is having himself an epic tournament. He stayed in fine form causing Bosnia all sorts of problems along the back line. His pace is hard for teams to keep up with. He scored his third goal of the tournament and is only one behind the American record for goals in a single World Cup.

2. The red card that Balogun got was absolutely garbage. In no way is that a red card. Maybe a yellow card at best. There was no intent to harm and he didn’t go recklessly into a challenge. It was just an accident that occurred between two players going for the ball. I hope the US appeal the red card and win so that Balogun is available for the match against Belgium on Monday.

3. Weston McKennie had a breakout season at Juventus last season and he is carrying his top form into the tournament. He has been all over the pitch and has been a nightmare to attacking players. He has an excellent work rate and is at the heart of all good team attacking movement. He has been absolutely vital to the US success.

4. Malik Tillman. His goal was at the exact right time. He hit an absolute goalazo late in the match to help the US put Bosnia to bed. Such an incredible strike from another midfield player who is having himself a great tournament. Very happy that he got that goal.

5. The ref in this match was complete rubbish. He didn’t give out yellow cards when he should have and then gave the awful decision (along with the dumb VAR) to send Balogun off for what should not have been a red card. Now the US may be without one of their top players for a crucial clash against Belgium on Monday.

6. This US squad has been criticized in the past for a lack of effort and lack of fight. They put all that to rest tonight. The effort and fight they gave to keep a clean sheet while playing a man down for 30 minutes was inspiring and admirable. Not only did they not concede, they also increased their lead while playing a man down. If anyone says this team lacks heart and effort after what they gave tonight I will call that person a liar.

7. Mauricio Pochettino has completely changed US soccer for the better. He has changed the mentality that this squad used to have. He has inspired the players into believing that they can win the World Cup (even though I don’t think they will, but I’d love to be proven wrong). He is definitely the best manager the USMNT has ever had.

Next up: The US will clash with Belgium in Seattle on Monday. The US will have to play almost flawless to win, but I think they can do it

Another new midfielder for Tottenham. The new look ownership ain’t messing around this window. Back line and midfield completely rebuilt. Now time to focus on the attack

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𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐌 𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒𝐏𝐔𝐑 𝐁𝐎𝐌𝐁𝐀. 💥