Pochettino’s bold call that paid off as USA make Gold Cup semis: “Willpower is non-negotiable; talent will emerge later”

The U.S. Bank Stadium witnessed two penalty shootouts on Sunday, June 29, the day the final four of the 2025 Gold Cup was completed.

The United States snuck through at the last minute after goalkeeper Matt Freese came up huge against Costa Rica, denying three spot kicks with decisive and timely saves.

The New York City FC keeper had been one of the more surprising inclusions in Mauricio Pochettino’s reshuffled squad for this edition of the tournament – and also one of the most criticized. He came under fire after an error in the US’s game against Haiti.

But that was the moment Pochettino chose to back him. The USMNT coach offered a clear vote of confidence in Freese when it mattered most. On Sunday, that keeper delivered just when the team was hanging by a thread – a moment that could come to define the Argentine manager’s tenure in America.

“Happy for him and for all our goalkeepers”

Freese earned his spot in the Gold Cup semifinals under Pochettino’s guidance, who never wavered even after Matt Turner’s Crystal Palace had lifted the FA Cup a month earlier.

Turner had played a role in that Premier League triumph, but hadn’t been a regular starter throughout the year. That opened the door for Pochettino to look elsewhere.

Still, Freese’s standout performance didn’t prompt the coach to single him out. “We have great goalkeepers and it’s always a tough decision,” he said. “We wanted to give him the opportunity based on the circumstances around Turner – to get to know another keeper and give confidence to someone who deserved it.”

He also made a point of thanking the team’s goalkeeper coaches for their preparation work.

“I’m happy for him and for all the goalkeepers, because it’s also thanks to those who prepare them,” he added.

After praising the US’s shot-stopper, Pochettino turned to his players more broadly, emphasizing their resilience and the spirit they’ve built throughout the month.

Defeats shaped their competitive spirit

This is the same USMNT that failed to convince in the two friendlies before the tournament – and now they’re celebrating a spot in the semifinals.

Their coach has overseen improvements each step of the way. On Sunday, the team showed that progress when they found themselves trailing early to Costa Rica.

Diego Luna’s first international goal canceled out Malik Tillman’s missed penalty and gave the US a much-needed boost heading into halftime.

“At 1-1, we found a bit more calm to play,” said Pochettino. “The buildup became cleaner, we were able to find players in space, and we showed long stretches where our best players were at their best in the final third.”

He defended Tillman as a stronger player than people realize – just like the rest of his squad, who’ve all been lifted by the atmosphere in camp.

“There’s a spirit that’s developed over the month – of fighting, competing, and creating the kind of atmosphere where there’s no room for excuses. You have to give everything and overcome adversity.”

That spirit, he said, began to take shape after their early setbacks.

“Willpower is the first thing you need – it’s not negotiable. Talent comes after.”

The US now prepares to face Guatemala with a place in the final on the line.

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