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USMNT vs. Chile Ended in a Brawl—and Mauricio Pochettino Called It 'Amazing'
U.S. men's national team (USMNT) head coach Mauricio Pochettino may be past his fighting days, but he couldn't help but appreciate what the altercation with his players against Chile revealed about the squad's unity.
Not for the first time under Pochettino's watch, a supposed 'friendly' match spiraled into a heated finish, with the Argentine coach caught in the middle of the confrontation that erupted at the end of the USMNT's 4–2 victory on Tuesday.
"I don't like it," Pochettino acknowledged, yet he found the team spirit that ignited the chaotic scenes to be "amazing." It's a contradictory position on a confrontation that nearly overshadowed another evening full of major positives for the U.S.
How Did USMNT Brawl vs. Chile Unfold?
Late Kick on Goalkeeper Brian Schwake
Mathis Albert had barely finished celebrating his record-setting goal to seal a 4–2 scoreline in stoppage time before the confrontation broke out. Chile substitute Leandro Hernández was the spark that ignited the situation when he nudged a grounded Brian Schwake.
With only seconds remaining and Chile's players coming to terms with having thrown away a 2–1 lead, Hernández let his emotions get the better of him and was quickly met with a fierce response.
Chris Richards Rides in
USMNT and Chile got into it during stoppage time 😯 pic.twitter.com/p8kg0hVaH1
Chris Richards was the first to confront an opponent he described as "obviously frustrated."
"They're losing the game deservedly," the Crystal Palace center back said, "but then if they want to foul our goalie, or they're going to kick him while he's on the ground? I mean, you're on our home soil, so that's not going to fly."
"It's very important to show the new guys that this is a family, and if you mess with our family, this is what happens," he added, with a pointed warning. The rest of Richards' teammates quickly joined in.
Benches Empty
Benched clear in USMNT - Chile after a Chilean player put in a late kick on goalkeeper Brian Schwake.
Chris Richards shoved someone and both teams got involved pic.twitter.com/cB9eL4JRgQ
"That's guys sticking up [for each other]," U.S. scorer Sebastian Berhalter said of the episode. "You saw what happened. That's unacceptable. We're there [for each other]."
'We' included most of the USMNT roster and a large portion of the Chile squad as well, with both sides clearing their benches. Pochettino found himself briefly in the thick of the chaos, which the referee eventually managed to defuse. Remarkably, only two players—Richards and Hernández—received bookings before the match was quickly brought to a close.
'Amazing'—Pochettino Explains Mixed Feelings on USMNT Brawl
"It's a crazy situation," Pochettino said of the skirmish. "You try to separate the players and settle things down. Sometimes, when you're winning you have to understand the opponent may push to the limit and cross the line out of frustration."
"I don't like it," he continued. "When I was younger, yes, I enjoyed a good fight. Now I'm more laid-back. I don't have the same reflexes, and I'm not as quick if I need to get moving."
What he clearly did appreciate was the team spirit on display. "That is amazing because it shows that you care for your teammate and that we are defending our shirt," he concluded.