U.S. national team knows what’s at stake against Costa Rica

In the span of about 15 minutes Monday, U.S. men’s national team coach Jürgen Klinsmann kept repeating that he firmly grasps the position his team is in.

If Klinsmann’s squad can’t rebound from its 2-0 loss to Colombia on Friday, not only will Klinsmann’s status be put in peril, but a game that was deemed winnable entering the tournament will become the latest chapter in the team’s frustrating story.

The Americans will face Costa Rica in their second Copa America match on Tuesday night at Soldier Field.

“I think we all do understand what’s at stake,” Klinsmann said. “It’s a must-win situation. When you lose the first [match], you know there’s only two games left.”

As he did after the loss to Colombia, Klinsmann said there were plenty of positives to take from the game. The U.S. had 11 shots but only two on goal, compared to eight on goal by Colombia.

Against Costa Rica — which played to a scoreless draw against Paraguay on Saturday — Klinsmann knows his team has to create more chances, especially when opportunities present themselves in the final third of the field.

Costa Rica relies on a smothering 5-4-1 alignment that will make striking early critical for the Americans. With only two more opportunities to earn critical points and only the top two teams in each group advancing, picking up three points with a victory is a must.

Advance to the knockout round, and the tournament becomes a different animal. Fail to advance, and the U.S. team’s reputation takes another hit.

While fans might be fretting what could happen if the Americans lose to Costa Rica, that’s not the team’s focus.

“People are going to think what they think, and ultimately we’ve got much bigger things to worry about than what goes on on the outside,” U.S. captain Michael Bradley said. “I think since I’ve been on this team, one of its strengths has always been the ability to respond on big days and be able to close the door, know who we are, know what needs to be better, understand that we’re still good and get ready for whatever comes next. Obviously, that’s what we need to do tomorrow night.”

Although Costa Rica doesn’t have Colombia’s talent, Klinsmann knows his team can’t afford to overlook it.

While repeating the must-win mantra and admitting the Americans’ backs are against the wall, Klinsmann couched confidence with a sense of urgency, understanding what they’ll be playing for when they step on the pitch.

“We know it’s a big game. There’s no denying that,” U.S. goalkeeper and Evergreen Park native Brad Guzan said. “As professionals, these are the games you want to be a part of.”

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