The USMNT closed its World Cup preparations with a 2-1 loss to Germany in front of a record Soldier Field crowd of 63,636, though the performance offered more encouragement than the scoreline suggests. Kai Havertz struck inside two minutes and Leroy Sané settled it after the break, yet for long stretches the U.S. went toe to toe with one of the tournament favorites.

An early goal could have rattled a young side. Instead the Americans steadied and produced the moment of the night in the 37th minute, when Antonee Robinson met a loose ball 23 yards out and lashed a volley past Oliver Baumann to level it. The U.S. out-attempted Germany 11-4 in a first half they arguably edged.

Germany's quality told after the interval. Sané restored the lead in the 57th minute, and Julian Nagelsmann's side managed the game out from there without ever pulling clear. Pochettino was again without center back Chris Richards, sidelined by the ankle injury clouding his World Cup buildup.

There were no medals on offer here, only information, and Pochettino got plenty. The U.S. showed it can trade blows with elite opposition; the open question is whether it can sustain that for 90 minutes rather than 45. The waiting is over now — Group D and Paraguay arrive June 12 in Los Angeles.