USA vs Germany: Thoughts on the Final Warm-Up

Team USA played well against Germany in their final WC warm-up match, especially in the first half. In the first half it was probably close to a 50/50 match. The 2nd half the German depth was a level above the US depth and Germany had the better run.

Germany is obviously a great team, although I'd put them more in the 2nd tier of contenders. To me, the 1st tier is France, Spain, England, Argentina. Then I think the 2nd tier is Portugal, Germany, Brazil, Belgium, Netherlands, Croatia. Nonetheless, it's a great team and the USMNT showed well.

Here are some of my takeaways from the match:

Starters

Tillman was excellent. His ability to work in really tight spaces in his own half, find that yard of space and play the line breaking pass was on display in this game. He's by far our best on the US squad at that. Unfortunately, he was having to do a lot of that and didn't seem to get many touches as he should in the attacking half.
I thought Mckennie had another rough outing. His touch didn't look sharp. I'm a bit worried about his form heading into the group stage.
Pulisic played his ass off and looked electric at times. He was a handful for the German team in the first half. The negative is I thought he was fairly wasteful with the ball.
Dest and Antonee Robinson were great again. I feel like both are poised to be standout players this WC.
Balogun was poor in the build-up play when playing with his back to the goal. Don't think he did well maintaining possession when needed. Poch is going to need to figure out how to get him possession closer to the goal for him to be effective.
Thought Freeman was good, but had questionable moments. His physical ability covers a lot of his shortcomings, but he needs to be better in the build-up play.

Subs

I thought Reyna was excellent. His ability to utilize his size and hold possession in the final third is pretty unique to the squad. Definitely see him coming off the bench and contributing.
Aaronson was also excellent. It's amazing how he reinvented himself from a pacey, creative attacker to a hard-nosed, do the dirty work, work rate type guy.
Berhalter is good. The MLS/Berhalter haters just have a bad read on this guy. His work rate is off the charts, set pieces are brilliant, touch/technique is good. He adds something to this team.

Overall a very encouraging performance by Team USA. 2 great games in a row heading into a home World Cup. I think there's a lot to be excited/hopeful about with this team. I'll be posting some thoughts prior to the game tomorrow.