The USA's FIFA 2019 U-20 World Cup opener was an exercise in role reversal.
Flash back about five to 10 years and think about the quintessential U.S. men's World Cup performance. An athletic, physical and organized team, looking to strike directly or on the counter, absorbing the more technical- and possession-focused opposition's best shots and finding a way to win. That was precisely the formula used Friday. By Ukraine.
The European nation beat the expectation-laden USA 2-1 defeat in their Group D opener in Poland, dealing a setback to Tab Ramos's group of rising talents.