USMNT gets a reality check! Winners & losers as U.S. flaws are exposed in straightforward defeat to Germany

The opportunity was there for the taking. The U.S. men's national team were up a goal and moving towards halftime, having largely gone toe-to-toe with a giant in Germany. It was a bright start headlined by a stunning Christian Pulisic finish. The USMNT were, deservedly, ahead.

But that's the thing about teams like Germany: all they need is one moment to turn games. It's what happened on Saturday as the U.S. conceded just before the half and, Germany, to their credit, never looked back.

That's what good teams do: they seize chances and don't look back. It's something the USMNT is still learning, and Saturday will be another harsh lesson in just how far there is to go.

For years, the USMNT have been talking about wanting to be an international power, about wanting to be a team that's respected on a bigger stage. Well, they got a close look at a powerhouse on Saturday, and they were given a reality check that showed them that they still have much to learn.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Pratt & Whitney Stadium...