Until now, United States had dominated with an iron fist in the CONCACAF Nations League, having won the first three editions uncontested. However, last night they were eliminated in the semifinals against Panama against all odds in the final minutes… just like what happened in the group stage of the last Copa América.

“I am very disappointed”

It’s true that Panama took the victory in extra time… with their first and only shot on goal in the entire match. However, it was no excuse for Mauricio Pochettino, who was very critical of his team's performance: “It’s true that I’m very disappointed because I think the way we approached the match was not the right one.”

“Although we deserved to win the match, I’d still be disappointed because it wasn’t the right way to approach it,” added Pochettino, who didn’t hesitate to highlight Panama's approach: “They played much hungrier than we did. All the players from Panama contested every ball as if it were the last one.”

The Gold Cup is a must for United States

After the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter due to United States' elimination in the group stage of the Copa América, Mauricio Pochettino has burned out in his first big test as the new coach, failing to even reach the final of the CONCACAF Nations League to try to defend the title for the fourth consecutive edition.

Now, all eyes will be on the Gold Cup, where United States will not be able to count on several key players due to the Club World Cup. “We are United States. But you can’t win with the jersey. You have to prove it, be better, and suffer,” added Pochettino.