The USA Men’s National Team team was humbled by Japan at an international friendly in Germany on Friday. The USA team lost 2-0 to Japan at the Merkur Spielarena in Düsseldorf, Germany. 

Daichi Kamada, the Eintracht Frankfurt player, scored the first goal for Japan in the 24th minute. Kaoru Mitoma, the Brighton & Hove Albion player, added one more at the 88th minute to seize the win for Japan. 

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Christian Pulisic, the Chelsea midfielder who usually captains the USMNT, was missing in action due to his ongoing injury woes. Coach Gregg Berhalter did not include him in the squad for the clash against Japan. 

Following the defeat, Berhalter said “We played against a difficult team and they made it difficult for us to play a very competitive game against a good opponent. We are looking at the performance of the team, who can have an opportunity, so that is what we are focusing on”, the TUDN reported.

Saudi Arabia is next for the Gregg Berhalter-managed team in a series of international friendlies before the World Cup. It will be played in Spain, on Tuesday, September 27. 

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Ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup in November, the loss is not good news for the USMNT. However, with Pulisic returning, the quality of performance for the USA football team is likely to get better.

During the match, the USMNT did not manage a single shot on target. To make matters worse, Arsenal’s Matt Turner who was on goal for the USMNT, had to save six shots on target. 

When asked about the defending, Berhalter said, “We will look at the tape and analyse it more carefully. I think there were some good moments, some moments that can be improved, and we will evaluate it”.

The USMNT has been grouped with Wales, England and Iran in the FIFA World Cup. Berhalter will have to find a way to get his team up to the mark before the competition begins.