No Pulisic, no problem: How Pepi's versatility solved the USMNT's puzzle against Australia

The United States men's national team faced a familiar test on Friday: how to break down a stubborn, deep-lying opponent without their talisman. Christian Pulisic's calf issue ruled him out of the clash against Australia, leaving manager Mauricio Pochettino to reshape his attack. The answer came in the form of Ricardo Pepi, whose unconventional movement offered a solution the usual one-striker setup couldn't provide.

The gap left by Pulisic

Pulisic remains the United States' most important player, a dribbler who can single-handedly dismantle defenses. Without him, Pochettino had no like-for-like replacement. Australia, sensing an opportunity, set up in a familiar low block — a 5-4-1 shape with zonal marking. The Socceroos, buoyed by their opening win over Turkey, aimed to frustrate the co-hosts and snatch a statement result. For a team that has predominantly played with a lone striker for decades, such a compact defense often proves a headache.

Pepi's different approach

Enter Ricardo Pepi. Instead of a traditional target man, the United States deployed Pepi as a mobile forward who dropped deep and drifted wide, creating space for runners. His link-up play allowed the Americans to bypass Australia's first line of pressure and find pockets between the lines. Where Pulisic would have taken on defenders one-on-one, Pepi drew them out of position, opening channels for midfielders like Yunus Musah and Weston McKennie. It wasn't a perfect performance — Australia's discipline held firm for long stretches — but Pepi's versatility provided a different avenue to goal.

What it means going forward

This game offered a glimpse of a post-Pulisic contingency plan. While the United States will always be more dangerous with their star, Pepi's ability to adapt his game suggests the squad has more tactical flexibility than critics assume. For Pochettino, the challenge is to integrate both players when fit, giving the US multiple ways to attack. As the tournament progresses, opponents will study this tape. But for now, the takeaway is clear: the United States can win without Christian Pulisic — they just have to do it differently.