Sarachan’s swan song is U.S. loss to Italy
In his final match as U.S. soccer coach, Dave Sarachan gave 20-year-old Christian Pulisic the captain’s armband for the first time and sent out the youngest lineup since the American team started keeping records.
Matteo Politano scored his first international goal in the fourth minute of secondhalf stoppage time, and Italy beat the United States 1-0 in an exhibition Tuesday night at Genk, Belgium, as Pulisic became the youngest captain in the modern history of the American team.
Head coach Bruce Arena quit after the loss in Trinidad and Tobago in October 2017 that ended the Americans’ streak of seven World Cup appearances and was replaced on an interim basis by Sarachan, his top assistant.
As the U.S. Soccer Federation restructured under new President Carlos Cordeiro, Sarachan has transitioned to a younger roster and guided the Americans to three wins, five losses and four ties in 12 exhibitions. Romain Gall, a 23-year-old midfielder, became the 23rd player to make his debut under Sarachan, replacing Pulisic in the 83rd minute.
“Well, it was my last game. I haven’t been told that, but it’s evident there’s going to be a change in the very near future,” Sarachan said. “To look back on the games that we played, the players that we’ve exposed to this level, that we brought forth, I’m certain it’s going to pay dividends down the line. So for me, I feel as though when the next person comes in, they’re going to have a great starting point, and that makes me feel good.”
New U.S. general manager Earnie Stewart has said a coach will be hired this year, and Columbus Crew coach Gregg Berhalter is the favorite. The new coach will take the job for a January training camp followed by two friendlies, and his first competitive matches will be in June in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Nine of the 11 U.S. starters were 23 or younger, and the lineup’s average age of 22 years, 71 days was an American record low, besting the 22-160 against Bolivia on May 28. Nations League: Two years after being recognized by UEFA, Kosovo has given itself a chance to make it to the 2020 European Championship.
The small Balkan republic routed Azerbaijan 4-0 in Pristina to cap an impressive run in the inaugural UEFA Nations League and secure at least a playoff spot in qualifying for Euro 2020.
In the top-tier League A, Final Four host Portugal ended the group stage with a 1-1 home draw against relegated Poland, and Sweden gained promotion from League B by defeating visiting Russia 2-0. Scotland moved up from League C by coming from behind to defeat Israel at home, as did Serbia after a 4-1 win over relegated Lithuania.
All group winners in the four leagues are guaranteed a place in the playoffs for Euro 2020.
England, Switzerland and the Netherlands will join Portugal in the Final Four in June. Injuries: Kylian Mbappe had to leave France’s 1-0 defeat of Uruguay in Paris with a right shoulder injury. Mbappe hurt his shoulder 30 minutes into the game after he failed to convert a one-on-one against keeper Martin Campana. Mbappe jumped to avoid contact with Campana and fell awkwardly on his shoulder . ... Neymar played only eight minutes in a friendly against Cameroon in London before an apparent groin injury forced him to the sideline. The Brazilian was replaced by Everton’s Richarlison, who gave his team a 1-0 win with a header just before the halftime break.