The United States started poorly on preparations for the World Cup, losing 2-0 to Japan in Dusseldorf, Germany in the first of two warm-ups before going to Qatar.
Daichi Kamada scored in the 24th minute while Kaoru Mitoma added another late game, leaving manager Gregg Berhalter with a lot of problems. For the first time in 15 matches, his team failed to register a well-aimed shot.
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Berhalter’s side was without Christian Pulisic’s talisman after it was announced before the first game that the Chelsea forward had received a knockout in training with the national team.
The United States will face Saudi Arabia in Murcia, Spain on Tuesday in its final match before Berhalter has to submit his 26-man squad for the World Cup on November 13.
“We have to play with the personality,” said Berhalter. “We have to play relaxed. We have to play intensely. When we do these things, we’re a really good team, but when we don’t, we’re an average team.
“It’s not fair that everyone’s on the block here. There are players who have a lot of water under the bridge with this team and have played a lot of good games.
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“We performed below expectations. We did not live up to our normal standards. And almost all over the world. “
Japan took the lead in the 24th minute after a sloppy game with the US, and Hidemas Morita left the unmarked Kamada to be put at home. The goal was initially deemed offside but was eventually held after a VAR check.
Berhalter put in a lot of substitutes in the second half but were unable to help the US put in gear, while Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner had to be vigilant to keep Japan from increasing their lead.
Turner made a dive kick to his left to stop Kamada from attacking in the 65th minute before firing a long shot from Ritsu Doan 10 minutes later.
Mitoma scored a second home goal in Japan in the 88th minute after dribbling several defenders to ensure his side dominance and doomed the US to an alarming defeat before the World Cup.
“Obviously very disappointing,” Turner said. “I just wish we had argued a little over us from the beginning. I think we hurt ourselves in many ways. “
Information from Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
