World Cup Qualifying: USA beats Panama 4-0 – Three things we learned

The U.S. men’s team took care of business against Panama, dominating all aspects of the game and getting their World Cup campaign back on track. Here’s what we learned after the 4-0 win.

The U.S. men’s soccer team picked up a big 4-0 win over Panama on Friday night in World Cup Qualifying is underway. There were many takeaways fans were able to take from this matchup, but none more important than these three.

All hail the Young King

Cristian Pulisic continues to exceed the lofty expectations already placed on him. Pulisic put the U.S. up on the scoreboard only eight minutes into the game at the end of a brilliant solo effort that we are just not accustomed to seeing from an American player. With a great first touch, the young phenom burst into space, showed great poise and control as he rounded the keeper and slotted home with a world-class finish. The goal saved the U.S. team and its fans a lot of nerves, as Panama’s intentions to resort to bus-parking tactics were clear from the kick-off.

Pulisic went on to set up the second goal, placing a ball through the Panamanian box past the keeper and on a silver platter for Jozy Altidore to tap into the net. Despite the oppositions’ rudimentary tactics to kick and frustrate Pulisic, the 19-year old never wavered and was always a class above the rest of the field, teammates and opposition alike. It is becoming repetitive and tired to pile on the praise on Pulisic but we cannot avoid the 800-pound gorilla in this U.S. World Cup qualifying – the ticket to Russia is never booked without Pulisic’s contribution.

Jozy Altidore and Bobby Wood  –  the one and only forward duo for this team

With complementary skill sets and a great understanding of late, the Bobby Wood-Jozy Altidore partnership should be here to stay. A more physical presence, comfortable with his back to the goal and giving opposing centerbacks fits with his aerial prowess and ability to hold the ball and act as a pivot, Altidore is enjoying one of his best spells for the U.S. men’s team. Bobby Wood relies on his speed and agility to get himself open and to take defenders on with pace.  Both players were instrumental in the victory playing a spirited, high energy game. Bruce Arena has shown a somewhat unfortunate propensity to tinker with his lineup. Breaking up this on-form forward duo for any other reason than injury would be a travesty. The World Cup is eight months away, it is time to stop tinkering and instead cultivate this partnership.

The 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield is here to stay

Speaking of tinkering with line-ups and formations, the US looks to have found the right set up on the field in the form of a 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield. With Deandre Yedlin and (to a lesser extent) Jorge Villafana providing width on the flanks, the likes of Paul Arriola and Darlington Nagbe are free to either “squeeze” inside the center of the field or get wide in space. Pulisic looks great in the attacking midfielder role behind the forward duo, and Michael Bradley does what he knows best at this stage of his career- provide balance in the midfield and shut down the opponents passing lanes.

Next: Each State's Nominee for America's Team

Some of the names may change between now and Russia, especially in the center back pairing, as having Geoff Cameron on the bench is not a luxury the US can afford, but the existing formation appears to make the most out of the existing skillset of this group.

The U.S. faces Trinidad and Tobago on the road on Tuesday. It is likely that a tie may be enough to see them through, however, it is all to play for as a slip-up on Tuesday in Couva can have dire consequences.