THE USMNT are taking no chances ahead of their huge World Cup showdown with Belgium – and are moving to combat any SPIES.
Mauricio Pochettino’s team are currently training in Seattle for Monday’s last-16 clash.
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USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino has installed black fences at training to prevent spying Credit: Getty
The USA have not reached the quarter finals of a World Cup since 2002.
And Poch’s team are not about to let anyone get hold of their tactical plans for the big game.
The US team have erected blacked-out fencing around Husky Soccer Stadium at the University of Washington.
It is the same process followed by the team as they did before a 2-0 win over Australia in the group stages.
Prior to that contest, Pochettino was spotted climbing a bank at the stadium and filming the field on his phone.
“I wanted to see because we are in an era of spies,” he told reporters.
“It was a good opportunity to see [what others could].
“I was doing a video, not a picture, all around to share after with [head of security] Jerry.”
Despite Pochettino’s tone appearing to be tongue in cheek, the team are taking zero chances.
They put up five tarpaulin-covered fences ahead of training on Saturday.
Husky Soccer Stadium is surrounded by hills with buildings overlooking the field.
Earlier this year, a high-profile spying saga rocked English soccer.
Second-tier club Southampton were kicked out of the Championship playoff final and denied the chance to play for a place in the Premier League after being found guilty of watching opponent’s training.
One USMNT player who will have to sit out Monday’s game is star striker Folarin Balogun.
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The former Arsenal forward was shown a straight red card in the win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last round.
He will be suspended for the Belgium game as a result but will be eligible to return should the USA reach the last eight.
“It’s been a roller coaster. There’s been lots of different emotions,” Balogun told reporters on Friday.
“I’ve been upset. I’ve been happy. It’s been surreal, to be honest. But for me, I think it was just important to stay calm.
“I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion.
“There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring, little kids, boys and girls who are watching, and we have to show them the correct way to handle things even when you think it’s unjust.”
