AL RAYYAN, Qatar—On Tuesday night, less than 24 hours after making their 2022 World Cup debut in a 1–1 tie against Wales, the members of the U.S. men’s national team took a breather.
U.S. Soccer invited families and loved ones who are supporting the players and staff in Qatar to the team hotel for dinner. There, on a smaller island within the larger man-made, luxury island known as The Pearl, the group enjoyed a barbecue, buffet, some live music and the temporary distraction of fellowship and familiar faces.
If it felt like a break, it was a good time for one. The young Americans are on the precipice of danger here. Unable to hold its late one-goal lead against Wales at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium the U.S. settled for a point that now magnifies the importance of the upcoming showdown with Group B favorite England.
