The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) suffered a 2-1 defeat to Germany in their final warm-up match before the World Cup, but head coach Mauricio Pochettino was encouraged by several performances. Antonee Robinson produced a spectacular goal, Malik Tillman showed his tactical flexibility, while Miles Robinson endured another difficult outing.

CHICAGO – When the U.S. conceded barely over a minute into Saturday’s World Cup send-off match, Pochettino’s initial reaction was understandable frustration. No manager likes to see his side concede early, even in a friendly—or as Pochettino prefers to call them, “non-official games.”

However, his next emotion was excitement. That early setback offered an opportunity for his squad to learn and adapt under pressure.

“I was thinking that we were lucky,” he said. “Because to face a situation where we concede a goal to a team like Germany, filled with top players, is an amazing challenge for us. It shows how we react, how we display character, unity, and how we play under pressure.

“At first, I was sad and upset, of course, but afterward, I realised it was a good thing—it allowed us to see the team’s real response.”

Although the match ended in a 2-1 loss, Pochettino got the reaction he was looking for. The U.S. went toe-to-toe with one of the world’s top teams during the first half and equalised through a stunning strike from Antonee Robinson that electrified the crowd at Soldier Field. The U.S. nearly took the lead before Germany’s superior depth showed in the second half as they held on for the win following a series of substitutions.

For Pochettino, friendlies are less about the result and more about progress and resilience. Saturday’s showing, he believes, offered both. With the World Cup approaching, he feels his team is better prepared for the challenges ahead.

“I think it was an even game. If you see the stats, many were similar and some were even in our favour,” Pochettino commented. “I’m very pleased with the commitment and mindset of the players… I think we should be happy. It was a good signal for us.”

Here’s a look at the Winners and Losers from Soldier Field:

WINNER: Antonee Robinson

Few goals are struck more cleanly. On the volley, first time, and perfectly placed—Robinson’s strike might already be the USMNT’s goal of the summer, even before the World Cup has begun.

“I saw the ball coming towards me,” he explained. “I just decided to commit to it—hit it as hard as I could, aim for the target, and if it went wide, we’d reset. Fortunately, it flew straight into the net.”

The U.S. needed that spark. After conceding early, they needed energy and belief, which Robinson’s thunderous goal provided. The atmosphere at Soldier Field lifted instantly, and the team responded with renewed intensity.

Robinson isn’t known for scoring often, but moments like these are within his repertoire. Germany learned that the hard way.

“I asked him if he’s ever hit a ball sweeter than that, and he said he has,” joked teammate Tim Ream. “It was an unbelievable strike. As soon as the ball popped up, I thought, ‘Is he going to hit it?’—and sure enough, he did.”

LOSER: Miles Robinson

Miles Robinson wasn’t solely responsible, but he played a part in Germany’s early opener. The visitors executed a brilliant set-piece routine. Nico Schlotterbeck screened Tim Ream in the box, taking out one of the U.S.’s key defenders, leaving Robinson isolated against Kai Havertz. The Arsenal forward, fresh off his Champions League final goal, made no mistake.

While some situations might excuse him, this wasn’t one of them. After his costly error against Senegal in a previous match, Robinson needed a strong performance—but this outing did little to restore confidence.

WINNER: Malik Tillman

Tillman was deployed in a slightly deeper midfield role alongside Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, and the experiment largely worked. The Bayer Leverkusen star handled the position with composure and influence against a strong German side.

“It’s a different role defensively,” Tillman said. “But it still gives me a lot of freedom.”

He made that freedom count. Tillman created three chances—the joint-most in the game—won six of nine duels, made four tackles, and completed three passes into the final third. His pressing and positioning helped the U.S. sustain pressure and regain control in key moments.

“I’ve played as a six sometimes,” he added. “I know where to move, how to get on the ball. I think I’m quite flexible when it comes to positions.”

LOSER: Folarin Balogun

It was a frustrating outing for Folarin Balogun—not due to poor play, but because he simply lacked opportunities to make an impact.

In 72 minutes, he recorded just 20 touches and completed nine passes. His most notable moment came from a cross across goal that nearly found Sergiño Dest. Otherwise, Germany’s defenders kept him contained, limiting his influence.

There were moments that could have gone differently—Tillman missed a chance to pass to him before being flagged offside, and Christian Pulisic held the ball too long on several occasions when Balogun was well-positioned. Dest’s attacking runs also didn’t result in the final pass the striker needed.

Despite the lack of service, Balogun remained active and made intelligent runs to open space. He’ll want more involvement and clearer chances when the competitive matches begin.

WINNER: Kai Havertz

Havertz continued his habit of scoring early. This time, though, his team capitalised on that momentum. The German forward netted just over a minute in, mirroring his early strike in the Champions League final. While Arsenal fell short in that game, Havertz was again decisive here—scoring once and setting up another.

Leroy Sane’s winner will grab headlines, but it was Havertz’s deft touch and lay-off that created the chance. With a goal, an assist, and a 2-1 victory, Havertz enjoyed a strong performance that helps him move past his previous disappointment on the European stage.