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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Alexander Abnos in Irvine, California

How a furiously contested friendly set the stage for USA v Australia at the World Cup

Cameron Burgess and Chris Richards exchanging words amid a physical matchup in Colorado
Cameron Burgess and Chris Richards exchanged words amid a physical matchup in Colorado. Photograph: Andrew Wevers/USSF/Getty Images

Haji Wright’s finish was cool, but Mauricio Pochettino’s reaction was cooler. It was the 35th minute of the US men’s national team’s friendly against Australia last October, and the Coventry City striker had just equalized after Jordan Bos put the Socceroos up earlier in the half. Wright celebrated by walking calmly away, while his coach had a blank expression on the sideline.

Pochettino’s mind may have been on Australia’s aggressive approach, including one challenge that forced Christian Pulisic out of the match midway through the first half. Or he may have been focused on his team’s reaction.

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