USMNT could see similarity with Bosnia during World Cup Round of 32 clash

IRVINE, Calif.— One reason to be optimistic about the U.S.

national team’s chances in the Round of 32 against Bosnia-Herzegovina: The rhythm of the game figures to be similar to its two group-stage wins.That is to say, though there are plenty of differences between Bosnia, Paraguay and Australia, Bosnia — like the other two — will likely cede much of the possession to the U.S., which is just how Mauricio Pochettino’s side likes it.“There’s obviously a similarity,” captain Tim Ream said.“It’s one of those things that you expect to come up against: similar things throughout tournaments, right? … There’s always things that can be thrown at you.

I don’t know that we fully expect Bosnia to just be defensive.”Bosnia does have some high-end attacking talent in Esmir Bajraktarevic, Kerim Alajbegovic and Edin Džeko, but generally prefers to play on the counterattack, at least against more talented teams.The U.S.

can expect to see a low block, albeit in a 4-4-2 shape as opposed to the 5-4-1 it successfully broke down against Australia.Nevertheless, if that is indeed the shape of the game, it will play into the Americans’ strengths.“We know it’s not gonna be easy,” Gio Reyna said.“We have to be at our best.

I’m sure we’ll come up with a great game plan.Intensity and energy has to be there if we want to win this game.”Though the U.S.

may train in Irvine again if it makes the quarterfinals — which would be in Los Angeles — Monday was its last day at the Orange County base camp.Every match of the FIFA World Cup will air on either FOX or FOX Sports 1.

If you don’t have cable, you can take advantage of a DIRECTV free trial to stream it all.Prefer to check out the action live and in person? Shop World Cup 2026 tickets on SeatGeek and make sure to use promo code NYPOST10 for $10 off purchases over $250 at checkout if you’re a first-time SeatGeek user.The USMNT has been set up in idyllic conditions, with a swanky hotel overloo...