USMNT loses 5-2 to Belgium, predictions for World Cup performance?
Seth Vertelney breaks down the final score in the USA vs Belgium friendly soccer match, and what decisions lie ahead for USMNT’s Coach Pochettino.
The U.S. men’s national team will face a Portugal side missing its most well-known player on Tuesday night.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not travel to North America for a pair of friendlies as he continues to recover from a muscle injury.
The 41-year-old missed Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Mexico and is also absent for Tuesday’s game against the USMNT in Atlanta.
After leaving Ronaldo off his roster last week, Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez calmed any fears that the legendary figure could be at risk of a long-term absence.
“The World Cup is not at risk” Martínez said. “It’s a minor muscle injury and we think he can return in a week or two.
“Everything Cristiano has done physically during the season shows that he’s in great shape.”
Ronaldo has been sidelined since suffering the injury late last month in a game with Al Nassr.
The veteran attacker has continued to be a key player for Portugal as he eyes a spot at a sixth World Cup this summer.
The forward has scored 143 goals for Portugal in 226 appearances, the most all-time international goals for any men’s player.
The USMNT will be aiming to bounce back from a dispiriting 5-2 defeat to Belgium on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Even without Ronaldo, Portugal will be a formidable opponent for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Ranked fifth in the world, the Seleção bring a roster that includes stars like Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes, PSG midfielder João Neves, AC Milan winger Rafael Leão and more.
Portugal is the defending UEFA Nations League champion, beating Germany in the semifinal and Spain in the final last year.
