The U.S. team was outplayed by Mexico in the Gold Cup final, losing 2-1. Coach Mauricio Pochettino viewed the tournament as a chance to assess player grit and determination rather than simply pursuing victories. Missing several starters, Pochettino fielded a young roster with players eager to represent their country. Despite the defeat, Pochettino emphasized building a foundation for the World Cup, believing that the true competition lies ahead, not just in this match.
"It's an honor," midfielder Diego Luna, who had played for the U.S. just four times before the Gold Cup, told reporters about wearing the crest. "I think every single one of these players thinks about it the same way I do. It's the No. 1 dream that we've had as kids and we're going to fight for this to have as many chances to wear it was we can."
When Pochettino gathered his team for the tournament in early June, it was missing as many as six first-choice starters for a variety of reasons. Some had club duties, some were injured. Others preferred rest over the honor of playing for their country.
So while Mexico deservedly won Sunday's battle 2-1, the larger war, Pochettino believes, rages on.
"That,' he said after Sunday's final, "is the way we want to build our journey into the World Cup."
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