The United States men's national team has gained a high-profile supporter after two wins to start the World Cup: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. When asked on Fox's postgame broadcast whether the co-hosts can win the tournament, the former Sweden striker offered a simple answer: "Yes."
US Players Respond to Zlatan's Endorsement
After Friday's 2-0 victory over Australia, US players were asked about Ibrahimovic's comments and responded with a unified mindset. "I don't think it's ridiculous," defender Chris Richards said. "We want to lift a trophy by the end of this."
Fellow defender Auston Trusty echoed those sentiments. "That's our mindset," Trusty said. "I don't think you enter this tournament not to have that mindset. To have [Ibrahimovic] say that about us, that's amazing. But I'm sure he knows as well, it's game-by-game."
Alex Freeman Emerges as Key Player
If the US do make a deep run, it will likely be due in no small part to the emergence of Alex Freeman. The 21-year-old defender, now at Villarreal after starring with Orlando City in MLS, has been a revelation at this World Cup. Playing on the right side of a three-man backline, Freeman scored the second goal to seal Friday's win—a goal initially ruled out for offside but later confirmed after a lengthy VAR review.
"I think you dream of this moment," said Freeman, the son of Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman. "And for it to finally happen with such a support system to help you celebrate it makes it so much more special. When it was confirmed, I saw all my teammates running and I thought: 'I've got to run away, they're going to tackle me!'"
Pochettino's Vision for US Soccer
Mauricio Pochettino said at his introductory press conference as US head coach that his goal is to win the World Cup. He praised Freeman and the system that developed him. "The evolution is massive," Pochettino said after Friday's game. "He has potential to be one of the best players in his position in the world. He's a humble guy, he has an amazing profile. He wants to learn. He always listens … you really enjoy being with him."
The best US finish at a men's World Cup was third place in the tournament's first edition in 1930. Their best result in the modern era was a run to the quarterfinals in 2002. With the win over Australia, the US have secured their spot in the knockout stage.
