Three of Leeds United’s biggest stars have been strutting their stuff at the Qatar World Cup and provided plenty of World Cup 2022 highlights, but now they are on their way back to Elland Road after the USA followed Denmark out of the competition.
Whites’ attacking right back Rasmus Kristensen probably didn’t expect to be on the way back to West Yorkshire quite so soon, but the Danes had a poor tournament and surprisingly crashed out at the group stage. In contrast, the USA made it through a tough group to make it to the Round of 16, where they bowed out on Saturday, and two more of Leeds’ summer recruits did themselves and their club proud as they played big parts in the Stars and Stripes’ high pressing, attacking style of play.
At 23 years of age, midfielder Tyler Adams was the youngest captain at the World Cup, leading the youngest squad. He was voted in as skipper by his 35 team-mates and Adams led by example in Qatar. On winning the captain’s armband the Leeds man did a fantastic interview which epitomizes the spirit of his club and country, saying: “I want to be a winner. So, first off, I’m very competitive. I want to hold the players around me to the same standard. I just want to make sure that everyone’s on the same page intensity-wise, mentality-wise, no frustration – we all buy into the same thing. And yeah, I think I’ve been doing that since a young age.”
For Adams to be the captain of a team which includes Chelsea star Christian Pulisic and experienced defender Tim Ream is quite an accolade; and the high point of his competition came in the USA’s goalless draw with highly fancied England. His team showed just the high level of intensity and invention that he called for, outplaying the Three Lions for much of the game, winning the shot count by ten to eight, and almost collecting all three points as Pulisic’s shot crashed against the bar.
In the final group game the USA came together to fight hard against a dangerous Iran side, winning thanks to a Pulisic strike as midfield lynchpin Adams picked up a yellow card in an all action display. Alongside Adams, another summer addition, Brenden Aaronson was also flying the flag for Leeds and was used in every game as an impact sub by head coach Gregg Berhalter. Aaronson’s direct running, close control and excellent crossing ability stretched the England and Iran defences and, at 22 years of age, he has a big future ahead of him.
The USA’s Round of 16 clash with the Netherlands ended in a 3-1 defeat and Aaronson again came on midway through the second half as the USA chased the game. It was a disappointing way for this young team to go out, but they are a work in progress and will be a force to be reckoned with, in four years time, when the USA co hosts the 2026 World Cup. Adams and Aaronson are sure to be there.
In contrast, Rasmus Kristensen and Denmark didn’t have much to cheer about as they crashed out after failing to navigate a group which we all thought they could easily qualify from. The Leeds defender picked up a yellow card after just 28 minutes of the Danes’ opening match, a flat 0-0 draw with Tunisia.
Denmark put in a better showing in a 2-1 defeat to 2018 champions France and were only beaten by two moments of genius from Kylian Mbappe; and they must have fancied their chances in a match against the unfancied Socceroos of Australia. But despite dominating possession Denmark lacked a cutting edge and were dumped out of the competition as the Aussies pulled off a shock 1-0 win.
The pre-tournament World Cup 2022 betting odds backed Denmark as a potential last four contender but they went out with a whimper, bottom of the group on one point.
Old Boys might go all the way
While the current crop of Elland Road stars are on their way back to Yorkshire, two of Leeds’ class of 2021 are still in Qatar and are in the hunt for a winners medal. Former Leeds United favourite Raphinha, now with Barcelona, is an integral part of Brazil’s team and the winger will be pushing for a start when the Selecao face South Korea on Monday.
And Leeds legend, fan and former player, Kalvin Phillips, who has suffered a wretched time with injury in recent times is back in action and in the England squad. The defensive midfielder has a chance to renew his relationship with Declan Rice if he gets the call when the Three Lions meet Senegal on Sunday.
There are still two weeks to go in the World Cup and then, here at SBOTOP, we’ll be back on the domestic football trail when Leeds embark on the second half of their Premier League campaign. But, for now, Whites fans can be proud of how their favourites have performed on the world stage…and glad they didn’t get injured!
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