A likely opponent for the USMNT in the round of 32 at the World Cup is Bosnia and Herzegovina. Stars and Stripes fans have just watched Bosnia defeat Qatar 3-1, and are now daunted about the prospect of playing them.
A USMNT fan wrote on Reddit, "Bosnia looked f****** good. The goal at '81 by (Ermin) Mahmíc was almost undefendable." Another added, "Bosnia is dangerous. Everybody underestimating them."
The goal he is referring to was Mahmíc's strike after a corner was taken short, which sealed their victory against Julen Lopetegui's side. This was Mahmíc's second goal of the tournament so far.
Kerim Alajbegović's opener against Qatar was also a long-range screamer. Their second was an own-goal by Sultan Al-Brake, which was assisted by their veteran striker Edin Dzeko. He is now 40, and also hit the post in the match.
The goal they conceded was sloppy, and Bosnia did lose 4-1 to Switzerland in their second World Cup match. In their opening game, they earned a credible 1-1 draw with the co-hosts Canada. Their goal against Jesse Marsch's side was scored by Jovo Lukić, but it was assisted by former Arsenal player Sead Kolašinac.
The USMNT should still be confident of beating Bosnia
As the USMNT has already topped their group, they should be confident of beating any of the best third-placed teams in groups B, E, F, I, or J that they could face.
The USMNT had a terrific start to the World Cup, defeating Paraguay 4-1. Folarin Balogun, who scored a brace in that game, was instrumental. Weston McKennie forced an own-goal, and Gio Reyna sealed the victory with a fantastic strike from the outside of his boot.
Mauricio Pochettino's side backed up their victory over Paraguay by beating Australia 2-0. Although he did not get on the scoresheet, Balogun again played well and forced the Socceroos' own goal. Sergino Dest then whipped in a great cross from which Alex Freeman scored.
The Stars and Stripes' confidence should be high going into the knockout stages. They face Turkiye in their final game in D. Turkiye were fancied as dark horses going into this tournament, as they have the likes of Arda Guler of Real Madrid. However, they have surprisingly lost their opening two games.
Pochettino has the chance to rest some of his key players against Turkiye. He also does not have to gamble on playing those on yellow cards. Booking will be wiped after the group stages, so the USMNT will not have to worry about that with whoever they will be facing in the round of 32.
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