Leeds United men keep USMNT World Cup dream alive as one shines in England stalemate - YEP 25/11/22
Leeds United men Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson helped keep the US Men’s National Team World Cup dream alive with a 0-0 draw against England.
By Graham Smyth
The Group B game ended in a stalemate, despite a number of
chances for both sides, and Adams played a starring role again for the
Americans. Gregg Barhalter’s captain produced his second impressive performance
of the tournament, disrupting England possession and keeping the ball reliably
in the centre of midfield.
Adams won all of his tackles and aerial duels, passed the
ball with an 87 per cent rate of accuracy and made two clearances as he
protected Matt Turner's goal and the clean sheet.
His pre-game prediction that the American’s pressing style
would be important rang true as the underdogs made life difficult for England,
yet in possession Adams and his team-mates looked sufficiently fluid and
creative, enjoying more of the ball than was perhaps expected.
Gareth Southgate was unable to inspire the kind of
free-flowing and clinical attacking football that England produced in their
opener with Iran, although Harry Kane could have opened the scoring early on.
America took control for large periods, however, and Weston
McKennie should have hit the net from the penalty spot before Christian Pulisic
struck the bar with a fierce first half effort.
It was more an even contest in the second half as the US men
appeared to tire, before Barhalter sent on his substitutes including Adams’
Leeds team-mate Aaronson.
The 0-0 draw made it two points for the USMNT, who now play
Iran, victors over Wales on Friday morning, knowing that only a win will do.
Three points would send Adams and Aaronson into the knockout stages.
As for England, they top the group with four points from two
games and face a Wales side who must win next Tuesday’s home nations derby to
have any hope of going through.
