The realm of football captivates audiences with its intricate tournament dynamics, especially in light of the recent shift to a 32-team knockout format. As the American squad, led by Mauricio Pochettino, gears up to clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, the possibilities for their journey become a topic of speculation.
This upcoming match serves as a platform to examine the team’s prospects, drawing upon one of Pochettino’s motivational phrases to assess their chances of triumph.
The US’s potential path to the final
Round of 32
Opponent: Bosnia and Herzegovina (1 July, 8pm ET, Santa Clara)
Among the seasoned players, 40-year-old striker Edin Džeko continues to leave his mark, while the 22-year-old winger Kerim Alajbegović has gained recognition following his goal in a recent 3-1 win against Qatar, which marked Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first-ever advancement to the knockout stage. The US will be keen to avoid penalties, given that their rivals have successfully navigated shootouts against Wales and Italy in the qualifying playoffs. Although Bosnia’s squad, under the leadership of Sergej Barbarez, has shown growth since a lackluster qualifying campaign, the Americans possess superior individual talent and a more synchronized style of play. A scenario where the host nation asserts its dominance early is conceivable, with Bosnia’s best hope resting on a solid defense or a well-executed set-piece.
Why not us? US chances of victory rating: 7/10
Round of 16
Predicted opponent: Belgium (6 July, 8pm ET, Seattle)
Belgium seems to be experiencing a decline, transitioning from a formidable team that may have passed its prime. Their recent 5-1 victory over New Zealand suggests some potential, yet disappointing draws against Egypt and Iraq raise concerns about their current form. The US should approach this matchup with caution but not with excessive fear. This encounter brings to mind a painful memory for the US men’s national team: a 2-1 extra-time loss to Belgium during the 2014 World Cup. In that match, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku scored, both of whom netted against New Zealand recently. A friendly match in Atlanta three months ago resulted in a 5-2 defeat for the US, but both teams were missing key players, and the US managed to hold most of the possession. If facing a top-10 nation early is unavoidable, Belgium might provide the most favorable matchup, and a victory could significantly boost morale.
Why not us? rating: 6/10
Quarter-finals
Predicted opponent: Spain (10 July, 3pm ET, Los Angeles)
Spain, the reigning European champions and second favorites in this World Cup, are likely to pose a significant challenge for the US. However, their dependence on youthful creativity, particularly from 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, could be a concern. Dominating possession doesn’t always translate to scoring, as demonstrated by their goalless draw with Cape Verde. Their recent 1-0 win over Uruguay was effective but not particularly inspiring. The US may thrive as underdogs, bolstered by passionate home support and low expectations, yet Spain appears better prepared than in the last World Cup, where they fell to Morocco in penalties. Should Luis de la Fuente’s squad falter and the Americans perform at their peak, an upset could be within reach, albeit requiring a level of defensive discipline that has been inconsistent for the US.
Why not us? rating: 3/10
Semi-finals
Predicted opponent: France (14 July, 3pm ET, Dallas)
France has emerged as the strongest contender in the group stage, showcasing impressive attacking talent, though their defense has revealed some vulnerabilities, highlighted by Norway scoring shortly after halftime in a recent match. Despite a 4-1 victory, the US’s dynamic play could pose challenges for the French defense, particularly if Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun find their form. Pochettino often states, “When people believe in each other, impossible dreams become possible,” a sentiment that could resonate deeply if the US capitalizes on their home advantage. However, should France reach this stage, they will have likely faced formidable opponents, suggesting their defense will be robust. In a high-tempo game, the US could face significant challenges.
Why not us? rating: 2/10
Final
Predicted opponent: England (19 July, 3pm ET, New York-New Jersey)
This clash represents a historic encounter, coinciding with the month marking the United States’ founding. It serves as a moment to reflect on the principles that have driven American success over the past 250 years: ambition, hard work, and resilience. A US-England World Cup final in New York, albeit in New Jersey, would be a remarkable event, evoking unforgettable moments in sports history. If England fails to top their group, this matchup may occur earlier in the tournament. Regardless of timing, the Americans’ familiarity with English players and a former Premier League manager at the helm could provide an advantage. The confidence and spirit from playing on home soil could mitigate any individual talent gap.
Should the US reach this stage, it would symbolize a monumental achievement, suggesting that victory is within grasp, with the trophy potentially finding a place in the Oval Office alongside other significant accolades.
Why not us? rating: 10/10
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