The USA vs Switzerland international friendly on June 10, 2025, was a tactical showdown that exposed key strengths and weaknesses ahead of major tournaments. Switzerland dominated with a 4-0 victory, showcasing their strategic discipline while highlighting the USMNT’s defensive frailties.
Tactical Analysis
USA’s Struggles: Pressing and Defensive Gaps
Under Mauricio Pochettino, the United States deployed a 4-3-3 formation, aiming for high pressing and quick transitions. However, execution faltered:
- Pressing Issues: The USMNT struggled to maintain their press, leaving gaps in midfield.
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: The backline was repeatedly exposed, conceding four goals in the first half.
- Lack of Cohesion: Missing key players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams, the team lacked fluidity.
Switzerland’s Tactical Masterclass
Switzerland, under Murat Yakin, executed a structured 3-4-2-1 system, focusing on defensive solidity and clinical finishing.
- Compact Defense: Switzerland maintained a disciplined shape, preventing the US from creating clear chances.
- Midfield Control: Granit Xhaka dictated play, ensuring smooth transitions from defense to attack.
- Clinical Finishing: Goals from Dan Ndoye, Michel Aebischer, Breel Embolo, and Johan Manzambi sealed the victory.
Key Moments
- 13’ – Ndoye breaks through the US defense to score the opener.
- 23’ – Aebischer taps in after a defensive lapse.
- 33’ – Embolo capitalizes on a goalkeeper error.
- 36’ – Manzambi finishes off a swift counterattack.
Individual Performances
USA Player Ratings
- Matt Turner (GK) – 4.5: Struggled with shot-stopping, including a costly error.
- Max Arfsten (LB) – 3: Repeatedly beaten by Swiss attackers.
- Mark McKenzie (CB) – 4.5: Made clearances but was caught out of position.
- Walker Zimmerman (CB) – 5: Lacked leadership in organizing the defense.
- Nathan Harriel (RB) – 3.5: Lost his marker on Switzerland’s first goal.
- Johnny Cardoso (CM) – 5.5: Improved but lacked impact.
- Sebastian Berhalter (CM) – 5.1: Struggled to control midfield.
- Paxten Aaronson (AM) – 6.4: Showed creativity in attack.
- Brenden Aaronson (LW) – 5.6: Had moments of promise but lacked end product.
- Quinn Sullivan (RW) – 6.3: Showed energy but failed to create clear chances.
- Brian White (ST) – 5.6: Isolated up front, unable to make an impact.
Switzerland Standout Performances
- Johan Manzambi (MOTM) – 8.5: Scored and assisted, causing havoc for the US defense.
- Granit Xhaka (CM) – 8: Controlled midfield, dictating play.
- Breel Embolo (ST) – 7.5: Clinical finishing, capitalizing on US errors.
- Michel Aebischer (CM) – 7.8: Scored and contributed defensively.
- Dan Ndoye (RW) – 7.6: Opened the scoring and was a constant threat.
Johan Manzambi’s Performance
Manzambi delivered a standout performance, showcasing his technical ability and attacking prowess.
- Assist for Switzerland’s Second Goal (23′): Dribbled past Max Arfsten and delivered a precise cross, setting up Michel Aebischer.
- Scored Switzerland’s Fourth Goal (36′): Controlled the ball well and fired a left-footed shot into the top left corner.
- Dribbling & Creativity: Troubled the US defense, particularly Mark McKenzie.
- Offensive Presence: His movement and positioning allowed Switzerland to maintain attacking pressure.
Lessons for the USA
The USA can take several key lessons from this match:
1. Defensive Organization Needs Improvement
- Improve communication between center-backs.
- Ensure midfielders track back to support the defense.
- Work on pressing as a unit rather than individually.
2. Midfield Control is Crucial
- Develop a stronger midfield presence to control tempo.
- Improve passing accuracy to avoid turnovers.
- Utilize Tyler Adams (when available) to break up opposition attacks.
3. Finishing Needs to Be More Clinical
- Focus on decision-making in the final third.
- Improve link-up play between midfield and forwards.
- Work on set-piece efficiency to capitalize on dead-ball situations.
4. Squad Depth and Rotation
- Develop depth in key positions to avoid reliance on stars.
- Give young players more international experience.
- Build chemistry among different lineup combinations.
5. Tactical Flexibility
- Be more adaptable in formation changes.
- Improve in-game tactical adjustments.
- Study opponents’ strengths and weaknesses before matches.
Conclusion
This match highlighted the USMNT’s defensive frailties and Switzerland’s tactical discipline. As the Gold Cup approaches, the US must address their structural issues, while Switzerland continues to refine their approach for upcoming competitions.
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