Dex Ponce: Pochettino Just Ran a World Cup Audition and Everyone Failed

Sixty-six thousand people watched the USMNT get outscored 4-0 in 29 minutes on the same field where they'll host the World Cup. Pochettino called it a "reality check." I'd call it a five-alarm fire.

Let's talk about the coaching decision that broke this game open. Pochettino played Tim Weah — a winger — at right back because he wanted his "best available" on the pitch. Jeremy Doku ate Weah alive. That's not a talent gap. That's a manager choosing vibes over structure in the last camp before roster selection.

Then Tim Ream handed Belgium a penalty. Matt Turner looked rusty in his first start since losing the No. 1 job nine months ago. And Pulisic? Seven straight caps without a goal.

Four unanswered goals between the 53rd and 82nd minute. The defense didn't bend — it evaporated.

I'm 78% sure this team has a structural problem Pochettino can't fix in 76 days.

He said "the plan doesn't change." After that? Portugal rolls into MBS on Tuesday. If the plan doesn't change, neither will the results.

Tito wrote a beautiful piece about what this stadium means for American soccer. Last night, Pochettino turned that meaning into a punchline.

Bookmark this. Come back June 12.