The USMNT era under Mauricio Pochettino is well and truly underway with a 2-0 victory over Panama. With all the pressure coming ahead of Poch’s first match, his team showcased a devastating finishing touch. Goals from Yunus Musah and Ricardo Pepi opened the victory account for Pochettino, who jumped for joy. Yet, some people detailed how the game was boring to watch on social media.

On X, one user stated, “An underwhelming performance from the USMNT but they take the 2-0 win against Panama. It was Pochettino’s first game in charge, patience is key, it can take time. It will get better.”

Two teams had traded blows to each other with their combat in the middle of the park. In terms of possession, they dominated the ball. Yet, fans remained unhappy with the team’s approach to the match. Usually, Pochettino’s teams play counter-attacking soccer with men behind the ball and attacking at pace.

If you look at the two goals today, it came down the left wing as Musah and Pepi came into the box to provide the finishing touch. Some phases of the gameplay need some polishing, and in time, it could happen. For now, fans expressed unhappiness with the gameplay of USMNT and Mauricio Pochettino.

Hence, some fans reacted to the performance on X, showcasing their displeasure.

Fans review Mauricio Pochettino’s first USMNT victory

Most of the reactions came regarding the team’s ability to play ball. With Gregg Berhalter leading the team for a long time, some fans think they can see the play patterns from the Berhalter era under Pochettino. Well, it’s his first game in charge. But here are some of the notable reactions.

Upon the arrival of a new manager, it is common to witness fans applauding the team for their exceptional performance, sometimes to an exaggerated extent. This fan believes the USMNT’s victory over Panama is exactly that. The user mentioned how everyone jumped quickly onto the bandwagon despite a subpar performance.

This user mentioned how the team still mimics Gregg Berhalter’s philosophy as it needs a revamp. With Pochettino arriving in just several weeks, the user mentioned how the players’ performances didn’t impress Pochettino. But, the user stated the players can improve if they rise to the challenge.

In one critical analysis of the game, the user doubted the finishing capabilities of the forwards in the team. Josh Sargent led the line from the start but failed to impress after not putting the ball in the net. In the end, Ricardo Pepi came off the bench to score the 2nd goal for the USMNT. The user quickly pointed out for better finishing, which might affect the team in big games. Take your chances guys!

Alas, the user mentioned how the first half of the match was underwhelming, to say the least. Despite 55% possession and no shots on target, the USMNT took home the victory in the second half, as both goals came in that half.

Safe to say, some fans remain unhappy with Pochettino’s debut game for the USMNT. He has work to do, of course! But give it some time and you may see him wave his magic wand. At least he made substitutions in the game when compared to Emma Hayes.