World Cup: To advance, the United States will have to end its five-year European curse

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Chris Richards grimaced when he learned the U.S. men’s national team had lost 10 straight matches against European opponents.

“Damn, I didn’t know that,” the cool-headed American defender said.

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Tyler Adams seemed surprised when told the Stars and Stripes last beat a European team more than five years ago.

“This is the first time I’ve heard of this,” said the tireless American midfielder.

Although the United States has already racked up more goals in this World Cup than it has ever scored in a previous edition and finished top of its group for only the second time since 1930, there are still some demons they have yet to conquer. Chief among them is a dark story against European opponents.

Since returning to the World Cup stage in 1990 after a 40-year absence, the United States has faced European teams 21 times in the most famous soccer tournament in history. The Americans produced seven draws but just one victory, a stunning 3-2 win over Portugal in their first group match at the 2002 World Cup.

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The United States’ current losing streak against its European foes began with a humbling 3-1 Round of 16 loss to the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup. Since then, the United States has suffered a series of setbacks, losing home friendlies to countries like Serbia and Slovenia and getting crushed by three or more goals against Switzerland and Belgium.

Thursday night’s Group D final against a talented but already eliminated Turkey offered the United States a chance to end that dismal streak, but Mauricio Pochettino rested most of his starters to avoid yellow card suspensions and prepare for the knockout matches. Kaan Ayhan scored a decisive goal almost eight minutes into added time as Turkey handed the United States a 3-2 defeat.

To progress further at this summer’s World Cup, the United States will need to find a way to break through their European hexagon. Next up for the United States in the round of 16 is Bosnia-Herzegovina. Belgium could appear in the round of 16. Spain, a pre-tournament favorite, would be the United States’ most likely opponent in the quarterfinals if the Americans make it that far.

Christian Pulisic reacts during the United States’ 3-2 loss to Turkey in the group stage. (Sportswire Icon via Getty Images)

Why did the United States fail against their European opponents despite winning against countries like Mexico, Japan, Uruguay and Senegal in preparation for this World Cup? Richards said he hasn’t spent much time thinking about the topic, but he gave his perspective on how European parties differ from those in the rest of the world.

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“When you think about European teams, you think about more technique, more technical ability,” said Richards, who plays club soccer for Crystal Palace in England. “When you think of South American and African teams, you think of more mentality. So maybe there is something there, or maybe we were just unlucky.

“I don’t want to disrespect the South American or African teams. Obviously, they have quality, but I think when you think of them, you think of more mentality, more passion. They love their country that they play for.”

There’s a bit of irony for the Americans: Bosnia-Herzegovina will be their Round of 16 matchup. The Bosnians are the last European team the United States beat in a low-key friendly on Dec. 18, 2021. In his only appearance for the national team, midfielder Cole Bassett scored a rebound goal in the 89th minute to lead the Americans to a 1-0 victory over a Bosnian team that played the entire second half down a man.

It’s safe to say that few players from that game will be on the field when the United States and Bosnia meet Wednesday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This 2021 match took place outside of the FIFA window, so the United States deployed exclusively domestic talent and Bosnia and Herzegovina fielded an inexperienced team without international stars Asmir Begović, Sead Kolasinac and Edin Džeko.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina are the No. 61 team in the current FIFA world rankings, but they have shown the ability to frustrate stronger opponents. It qualified for the World Cup through the UEFA playoffs, eliminating Wales and Italy. Then, they advanced out of their World Cup group by drawing against host nation Canada and overpowering Qatar.

The United States will likely dominate possession against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the Bosnians can be dangerous in the air from set pieces or when breaking quickly on counterattacks. Even at 40, Džeko remains a reliable striker and clinical finisher. Young players like Kerim Alajbegović and Ermin Mahmic have added pace and creativity to what was once an aging team.

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Although America’s defense proved prone to occasional lapses, its offense was prolific enough to make up for it. The Americans have scored eight goals in three World Cup matches despite their deadliest playmaker, Christian Pulisic, only logging a total of 87 minutes due to a calf injury.

Pulisic declared himself fit and ready for Wednesday’s match. The other American pillars are also in good health.

Can this group live up to their hype as America’s golden generation, make a knockout run, and finally end the team’s European curse?

Richards said with a smile: “Streaks are meant to be broken.”

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