The United States opened U-20 World Cup play with a frustrating 2-1 loss to Ukraine in Bielsko-Biała, Poland, on Friday. Ukraine scored with its first shot on target, but the U.S. responded with a brilliant 14-pass move to equalize. However, despite holding 67 percent of possession and registering 10 shots, Ukraine scored the game-winner off a corner kick in the 51st minute.
The U.S. dominated the opening period with Barcelona’s Konrad de la Fuente looking dangerous on the dribble and with the likes of Bayern Munich’s Chris Richards and FC Dallas’ Paxton Pomykal providing some clever passing through Ukraine’s midfield line.
But all the goodness was undone with a 40-yard, cross field raker that exposed U.S. right back Sergino Dest, who’s on the books at Ajax.
Serhiy Buletsa finished the chance to put Ukraine up in the 26th minute.
#U20TD ¡Ya lo pierde @USYNT ! Buletsa pone al frente a #Ucrania pic.twitter.com/lul4aJgqQV
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) May 24, 2019
But it took only six minutes for the U.S. to level, and it was an exceptional goal with Dest avenging his mistake at the other end. The final assist was provided by Timothy Weah, and Brandon Servania swept home from close range.
#U20TD Rápidamente @brandonservania iguala el marcador para @USMNT ante Ucrania pic.twitter.com/7s7pyFjXCE
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) May 24, 2019
Fourteen pass sequence prior to the goal. Starts with @ChrisDurkin0 winning the ball in the middle. Nearly everyone gets a touch in the build-up. pic.twitter.com/Lm20wdoMUN
— J.R. Eskilson (@JREskilson) May 24, 2019
The second half began with Ukraine striking the crossbar before the U.S.’s Alexis Mendez — who has an outrageous left foot – forced the keeper into a good save.
However, in the 51st minute, Ukraine scored what would turn out to be the game-winner off a corner. Experts will tell you that this is “too easy for Ukraine,” which is a very insightful piece of analysis.
#U20TD ¡Vuelve la ventaja a Ucrania! Potente remate de cabeza de Popov que termina en la redes del arco de @USMNT pic.twitter.com/Pyd6Yp2SlI
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) May 24, 2019
The U.S. came closest to equalizing via that golden left foot of Mendez, but the 18-year-old SC Freiburg talent struck the post.
Excuse me, we’d like to file a complaint with the post.
It’s rude. pic.twitter.com/Ks1vcu1L78— The American Outlaws (@AmericanOutlaws) May 24, 2019
The U.S. must quickly recover and get a result on Monday against Nigeria.
Nigeria tops the group after hammering Qatar 4-0 in Group D’s other match. The group winners, group runners-up and four best third-placed teams from the six groups advance to the knockout stage, so the U.S. certainly isn’t out of it, but the pressure is well and truly on now.
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