The U.S. Men’s National Team’s run to the Copa America Centenario semifinals has been a positive step in the squad’s progression, but not everyone has been convinced by Jurgen Klinsmann’s side.
In an interview with Goal Mexico, former Seattle Sounders and Mexico midfielder Gonzalo Pineda claimed the USMNT has been lucky to reach the semifinals, where they will face Argentina on Tuesday night.
“I think it’s an illusion what they’ve got in this Copa America. Before this tournament I didn’t see, and I still don’t see, a convincing team beyond the results,” Pineda said. “I don’t like the United States’ style. It has won, yes, but it hasn’t played to win, and for me against Ecuador the U.S. was saved from losing and even from being blown out.”
Pineda, now working for Univision, played the majority of his professional career in Liga MX, before finishing up with the Sounders from 2014 to 2015.
Despite Pineda’s comments regarding the U.S. team as a whole, the ex-MLS player stated the importance of former Sounders teammate Clint Dempsey, who has recorded three goals and as many assists at the Copa America.
“In general, I don’t see a convincing United States. It’s very dependent on Clint Dempsey, an extremely gifted player, a genius, an exceptional player with a winning personality who knows exactly what to do when the ball comes to him,” Pineda added. “Thanks to him, the United States is at this stage. Without Dempsey, they wouldn’t be where they are. There hasn’t been the generational change that was promised years ago.”
What do you think of Pineda’s comments? Is the USMNT too reliant on Dempsey in the attack?
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