US vs France Soccer: 5 Key Matchups That Will Decide the Game's Outcome
As I settle into my analyst's chair, the upcoming US vs France soccer friendly brings back vivid memories of watching elite athletes perform under pressure. I recall Castro's courtside presence during those PBA Commissioner's Cup finals - how his mere observation seemed to elevate the game's intensity. That's exactly what we're looking at here: individual matchups that could define this entire contest between two footballing giants. Having covered international soccer for over fifteen years, I've learned that these friendlies often reveal more about team dynamics than major tournaments do, precisely because the pressure is different but the talent on display remains world-class.
The midfield battle between Weston McKennie and Antoine Griezmann strikes me as potentially decisive. Griezmann's creative numbers are staggering - he created 82 chances for France in their last 15 matches, converting 12 of them personally. But McKennie's defensive work rate often goes underappreciated; he averages 12.3 kilometers per match and wins nearly 60% of his duels. What fascinates me about this particular matchup is how it represents two different footballing philosophies. The French approach values technical brilliance and spontaneous creativity, while the American system emphasizes relentless energy and tactical discipline. I've always been partial to players who combine both qualities, which is why this duel particularly excites me.
When we talk about the flanks, Christian Pulisic versus Theo Hernandez presents what I consider the most entertaining matchup of the evening. Hernandez's attacking contributions from left-back are remarkable - he registered 9 assists for AC Milan last season while maintaining defensive solidity. But Pulisic, in my observation, has reached a new level since his move to Italy. His confidence in taking on defenders has skyrocketed, and his decision-making in the final third has improved dramatically. I remember watching him during his Chelsea days and thinking he had tremendous potential, but now we're seeing him fulfill it consistently. This battle could easily swing the game, as both players possess the individual quality to create something from nothing.
The center-forward duel featuring Folarin Balogun against Dayot Upamecano represents what I like to call the "clash of generations." Balogun's 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season demonstrated his predatory instincts, while Upamecano's 87% tackle success rate with Bayern Munich showcases his defensive dominance. Having watched both players develop over the years, I'm particularly intrigued by Balogun's movement against Upamecano's physicality. The young American striker has this uncanny ability to find pockets of space, but Upamecano reads the game exceptionally well for someone his age. If I had to bet on one player gaining the upper hand, I'd slightly favor Upamecano based on his experience in big matches, though Balogun's raw talent could certainly prove me wrong.
Between the posts, Matt Turner facing Kylian Mbappé presents what might be the most lopsided but fascinating matchup. Mbappé's statistics are frankly ridiculous - he's scored 38 goals in 66 appearances for France and shows no signs of slowing down. Turner, while capable of spectacular saves, has occasionally shown vulnerability against world-class finishing. What makes this particular duel so compelling, in my view, is the psychological aspect. Mbappé thrives on intimidating defenders and goalkeepers with his blistering pace and clinical finishing, while Turner's journey from MLS to Premier League starter has built tremendous mental resilience. I've always admired goalkeepers who face these kinds of challenges head-on, and Turner's performance could genuinely determine whether the US manages to keep this respectable.
The tactical battle between coaches Gregg Berhalter and Didier Deschamps might be the most intellectually stimulating aspect for hardcore football enthusiasts like myself. Deschamps' pragmatic approach has brought France tremendous success, including World Cup glory, while Berhalter's more systematic methodology has transformed the US program. Having studied both coaches extensively, I appreciate how Deschamps adapts his system to maximize his players' strengths, whereas Berhalter insists on players adapting to his system. Personally, I've always leaned toward managers who show flexibility, which gives France a significant edge in my assessment. Deschamps' 68% win rate with France compared to Berhalter's 58% with the US underscores this quality difference.
As we approach kickoff, what strikes me most about these matchups is how they represent the evolving landscape of international soccer. The US program has narrowed the gap considerably through player development and tactical sophistication, but France's depth of world-class talent remains formidable. In my professional estimation, France likely wins this encounter 3-1 based purely on individual quality and big-game experience. However, the real victory for the US would be demonstrating they can compete at this level consistently. These high-profile friendlies provide invaluable measuring sticks, and what we learn from these individual battles could shape both teams' approaches heading into upcoming tournaments. The beauty of football lies in these nuanced contests within the contest, where legacy is built one duel at a time.
We are shifting fundamentally from historically being a take, make and dispose organisation to an avoid, reduce, reuse, and recycle organisation whilst regenerating to reduce our environmental impact. We see significant potential in this space for our operations and for our industry, not only to reduce waste and improve resource use efficiency, but to transform our view of the finite resources in our care.
Looking to the Future
By 2022, we will establish a pilot for circularity at our Goonoo feedlot that builds on our current initiatives in water, manure and local sourcing. We will extend these initiatives to reach our full circularity potential at Goonoo feedlot and then draw on this pilot to light a pathway to integrating circularity across our supply chain.
The quality of our product and ongoing health of our business is intrinsically linked to healthy and functioning ecosystems. We recognise our potential to play our part in reversing the decline in biodiversity, building soil health and protecting key ecosystems in our care. This theme extends on the core initiatives and practices already embedded in our business including our sustainable stocking strategy and our long-standing best practice Rangelands Management program, to a more a holistic approach to our landscape.
We are the custodians of a significant natural asset that extends across 6.4 million hectares in some of the most remote parts of Australia. Building a strong foundation of condition assessment will be fundamental to mapping out a successful pathway to improving the health of the landscape and to drive growth in the value of our Natural Capital.
Our Commitment
We will work with Accounting for Nature to develop a scientifically robust and certifiable framework to measure and report on the condition of natural capital, including biodiversity, across AACo’s assets by 2023. We will apply that framework to baseline priority assets by 2024.
Looking to the Future
By 2030 we will improve landscape and soil health by increasing the percentage of our estate achieving greater than 50% persistent groundcover with regional targets of:
– Savannah and Tropics – 90% of land achieving >50% cover
– Sub-tropics – 80% of land achieving >50% perennial cover
– Grasslands – 80% of land achieving >50% cover
– Desert country – 60% of land achieving >50% cover
