Yahoo Sports reports: Although the cheers are still ringing in the Americans' ears after their impressive World Cup-opening victory, this U.S. team says it's prepared for the physical and mental challenges of the weeks ahead — including what's likely to be a physical meeting with Australia on Friday. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter gives credit for this tenacity to coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has taken over a team that repeatedly flopped on the international stage and infused it with a stronger mentality grounded in a few core beliefs. “I think that’s something that (Pochettino) really put in,” Berhalter continued.
sports | sports | Yahoo Sports | June 16, 2026 8:35 PM
'We're American. We don't take s---.' US says Pochettino instilled strong mentality for World Cup
Although the cheers are still ringing in the Americans' ears after their impressive World Cup-opening victory, this U.S. team says it's prepared for the physical and mental challenges of the weeks ahead — including what's likely to be a physical meeting with Australia on Friday. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter gives credit for this tenacity to coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has taken over a team that repeatedly flopped on the international stage and infused it with a stronger mentality grounded in a few core beliefs. “I think that’s something that (Pochettino) really put in,” Berhalter continued.
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