U.S. Soccer legend Landon Donovan believes the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) possesses a tangible advantage in their upcoming World Cup match, citing both the team's aggressive playing style and the electric atmosphere expected in Seattle.
Donovan, now a match analyst for Fox Sports, highlighted the U.S. team's "brave" approach as a key differentiator in the current tournament. "A lot of teams have been relatively cautious in this tournament and a lot of them have gone home because of it," Donovan told The Post. "The mentality with this team in every game has been, 'We're going to win it.' And if we lose along the way, that's fine. But our attitude is we're going to win it."
He contrasted this with their opponent, Belgium, whose "core group of players is much older" and has been "very uninspiring this tournament." Donovan noted that while Belgium possesses a few "world-class players" capable of decisive plays, their current form is concerning. "If you're asking me in the current form of the two countries, who would I bet on? The U. S., for sure," he stated.
The former World Cup hero also emphasized the significant home-field advantage the U.S. team will experience in Seattle. "Seattle's different. ... They will ABSOLUTELY provide a lift," Donovan said, recalling the palpable support he witnessed in previous matches. He anticipates an "electric atmosphere" amplified by the "phenomenal sports fans" and American Outlaws supporters' groups.
Donovan identified Christian Pulisic as the team's most important player, stating, "He has to be good in this game." However, he believes the key to advancing deeper in the tournament lies in the team's defense. "The challenge for this team over the last year or so has been defensively," he explained. "If they are defensively good and Matt Freese, our goalkeeper... has a big game... then it gives us a chance to win. If that doesn't happen, then it's going to be difficult because that has been a little bit of the Achilles heel of this team."
Weston McKennie was singled out as a potential X-factor. "He's been our most important player over the past few months," Donovan said. McKennie's ability to contribute on both defense and offense, combined with his leadership and work rate, makes him crucial. "He's the type of guy who, if he has one of his signature games, could definitely take us over the edge."
Regarding head coach Mauricio Pochettino, Donovan praised his steady hand. "He's been fantastic, and for people who are just tuning in now, this has been a long process. Pochettino's been at the job for 18 months now, and there were a lot of bumps along the way." He noted that Pochettino "stuck to the plan the whole way and it's come together perfectly at the exact right moment."
Donovan also reflected on the impact of his iconic 2010 goal, suggesting it inspired a new generation of soccer fans in the U.S. He sees parallels with the current team's performance, believing that the moments being created now will similarly capture the nation's attention and foster long-term growth for the sport. "Over the course of the next decade, two decades, three decades, we are now building hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, tens of millions of new soccer fans, and that's how you become a true soccer nation."
When asked about the team's potential to win the entire tournament, Donovan expressed cautious optimism. "Can they? Yes. Is it likely? It's not likely," he admitted, citing the formidable opponents that lie ahead. However, he added, "There is something unique about World Cups for the teams playing in their home country, where you tend to overachieve. ... I'm gaining more hope every game."
Donovan concluded by emphasizing the immense opportunity before the team. "Now it's a little bit of icing on the cake. They're playing with house money a little bit. So the pressure is off, but the opportunity is massive." He believes the players have the chance to "change their lives forever individually as the players, the National Team forever, and soccer in this country forever."