(USA TODAY Sports)

Two weeks ago, Bayern Munich’s speedy 18-year-old Julian Green decided to play his international soccer for America instead of Germany. The news was huge and gave U.S. fans many reasons to celebrate. Green has tremendous potential and with his decision, immediately became a candidate for Jurgen Klinsmann’s 23-man World Cup roster.

Wednesday night, Green got his first opportunity to prove he belonged in Brazil with the U.S. against America’s greatest soccer rival, Mexico.

Green’s best qualities were readily apparent from the moment he stepped on the pitch in the 59th minute. He has pace — so much pace. Under pressure with the ball at his feet, Green was able get out of trouble and make good decisions. Mexico truly had no answers for Green when he had the ball and was running at defenders — case in point in the 87th minute when Green took on two players and was hauled down in the penalty area. The referee ruled it a dive, though you can be the judge.

On attack, Green was fresh and exciting. On defense, Green was young and naive. He was caught ball-watching on Mexico’s second goal of the night and his strength simply doesn’t match his speed.

“You saw in some moments what this kid is actually capable to do, how he goes in the box, draws two guys and should have gotten the penalty,” Klinsmann said. “Obviously he was nervous to play his first cap in front of 60,000 against Mexico.”

Nerves are natural, especially when you’re tasked with winning a place on a World Cup roster in two months. The fact of it is, the U.S. doesn’t need Green in two months in Brazil. They need him for the next 16 years. Green isn’t a complete player yet — but he will be. And when he matures, he will be an incredible asset. Until then, he is a defensive liability.

(USA TODAY Sports)

However, it is clear that Klinsmann is confident in his young star, and was overly high on his performance. It’s hard to believe that Green chose the U.S. over a German side who has a very good chance of winning the World Cup this year without the promise of a place on the American’s 2014 roster. There are great expectations for Green. But those expectations span far longer than this summer.

This is the first step. What happens after Brazil for Julian Green is far more important than what happens before.