Jozy Altidore was a guest on CBS Sports’ show “Kickin’ It” and said that the United States men’s national team from nine years ago could beat the current squad. The 2014 USMNT vs 2023 USMNT question started a large debate on social media.
Jozy Altidore 2014 USMNT vs 2023 USMNT debate
2014 USMNT vs. 2023 USMNT
Who wins? pic.twitter.com/k1MlKZAMq0— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 24, 2023
It’s important to note Altidore conceded that the talent level of the current team exceeds the 2014 squad “individually in certain spots.” Here he’s likely referring to players like Christian Pulisic.
Here was how USMNT fans online reacted to Altidore’s take.
No they wouldn’t https://t.co/9e5YZwVMqm
— Tactical Manager (@ManagerTactical) October 25, 2023
It’s alarming how quickly people forget about the past.
When it came to the USMNT there were some real dawgs. People acting like Clint, MB, LD etc wouldn’t just walk into this current gen & take what’s theirs.That was the mentality. In their prime few better.
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) October 25, 2023
Respect to that team but I just don’t think so. Howard and Clint would be legit X factors but Pulisic against those fullbacks… goodnight sweetheart.
— USACFC (@USACFC_) October 25, 2023
Not a chance in hell....that 2014 was devoid of high level skill....it was gritty, but it lacked soccer skill big time.
— Wingman (@DaDakota) October 25, 2023
I’m one of the biggest Jozy haters to exist, but he’s spot on here. That team got out of a group of death and was a Wondo miss away from advancing to the quarterfinals.
One other factor? Clint Dempsey. The kind of player this current group is missing.— Nate (@nate_in_pa) October 25, 2023
Add Landon Donovan and definitely yes, I think the 2014 team was a better team, they were more clinical and unafraid to do the dirty work.
2023 team is way more technical and creative, but no one cares in major tournaments. You just have to win. 2014 team had grit & grind!— Imani: That Good Craic (@imanilfc) October 25, 2023
The 2014 USMNT vs 2023 USMNT debate ain’t controversial enough.
2023 is clear.Here is a good one, do you take Klinsmann or Berhalter?— Tactical Manager (@ManagerTactical) October 25, 2023
The 2014 squad had an admirable World Cup when they defeated Ghana, were seconds away from beating Portugal before drawing, narrowly lost 1-0 to eventual champions Germany and fell to Belgium in extra time to be eliminated 2-1.
Fast forward to present day and the USMNT had a somewhat similar World Cup. The U.S. had a decent 1-1 draw vs. Wales, an unexpected 0-0 draw against England, the big 1-0 win vs. Iran and then fell to a top European side in the Round of 16.
Veteran fans fondly remember the leaders like Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Tim Howard and others. Meanwhile the younger fanbase adores the rising sensations of Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Timothy Weah and company.
The battle between the two sides in their prime would be a joy to watch.
The18’s personal prediction if these two played? We’d say that a scrimmage between the two sides would end with a narrow 2-1 win for the 2023 squad.
