Christian Roldan: USA squad need to be 'more savvy' for World Cup

The United States begin their World Cup campaign against the highly experienced South Americans on Friday, and face pressure to finish top of a group that also includes Australia and Turkey.

After losing a friendly to Germany on Saturday, coach Mauricio Pochettino encouraged his players to "learn to play right on the edge of the rules," and Roldan repeated that sentiment during Tuesday's training session.

"I believe that is one area where we can certainly improve," he told AFP.

"I believe being a touch savvier, realising that being too honest at times can be a fault for us.

"We need to be a bit savvier in how we manage matches, the way we take fouls, and stay down a little longer, you know?"

The USA recently played a friendly against Paraguay in November. Although they won 2-1, the heated encounter concluded with a brawl in added time.

Australia and Turkey are also anticipated to provide stern opposition to the co-hosts. However, recollections of that Paraguay match are currently at the forefront of the Americans' minds.

"I believe we can pick up these tricks from other countries, but Paraguay are particularly adept at that," said Roldan, referring to the opponents' combative and shrewd approach.

The USA must be "clever not to overdo it, and not to react to their tactics... it is crucial for us to be able to control the match," he said.

Roldan, aged 31, is among the more seasoned players in the 26-man squad, who all gathered for their first full training session at base camp on Tuesday.

The Seattle Sounders defensive midfielder, who has earned 47 caps since making his debut in 2017, is not expected to be in the starting line-up on Friday.

However, he stated that he views his role as a physical presence who can provide extra intensity when required, to a USA side that possesses greater technical skill and attacking creativity than in past World Cups.

"It sounds odd to say, but being a bulldog on the pitch, you know?" Roldan said of his role.

"I think in the end, that's what got me here, being intense... make sure that I energise our group entirely.

"If I am not in the starting line-up, it is about how I can help the lads off the field or even at half-time.

"But I truly believe that being intense is what got me here, and I must continue doing that."