As Qatar 2022 looms the US look like who they are: Concacaf’s third best team

Gregg Berhalter is executing a masterclass in managing expectations downwards as the World Cup approaches. But that doesn't mean all is lost

The US men's national team drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in Spain on Tuesday in their final game before their opening World Cup clash against Wales on 21 November. Following on from Friday's tame 2-0 loss to Japan in Germany, these were two tune-ups that served to underline the team's shortcomings rather than solve them, played in low-key atmospheres that felt more like pre-season friendlies than the last international fixtures before a World Cup.