The United States national team have faced two different must-win situations in the past two months. First, they were tasked with defeating lowly Guatemala at home in World Cup qualifying back in March after blowing up Jurgen Klinsmann-style in Central America. Then, in the second match of the Copa America, they had to avoid a loss to Costa Rica in order to stay in the tournament—a draw would have required lots of future help as well—following an underwhelming defeat against Colombia.
They passed both tests with flying colors.
The US crushed each of their CONCACAF foes by scores of 4-0, and managed to briefly restore hope in the national team.