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- October 13, 202617°
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US seeks recovery against Bosnia and Herzegovina after Turkey defeat
After a 3-2 group-stage loss to Turkey, the US national team faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in the second round, seeking a win to stay in contention.
The US, one of the hosts of the 2026 World Cup, faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in the second round after its group-stage loss to Turkey. The match in Santa Clara, California, aims to regain its prestige and tournament contention.
Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic said he did not believe the US could be a championship contender, but his mind changed after the first two wins. "If you didn't believe, I repeat: start believing," Ibrahimovic said.
The US started a World Cup with two wins for the first time since 1930, beating Paraguay and Australia. But on Thursday night in Inglewood, it suffered its first loss of the tournament, 3-2 to Turkey. US defender Mark McKenzie said: "The next round is a clean slate. Still, we want to go far, to win everything."
Squad and tactical changes
Coach Mauricio Pochettino made significant changes to the squad after a four-match losing streak last summer. Only goalkeeper Matt Freese, defenders Alex Freeman and Chris Richards, and midfielder Malik Tillman retained their places from the starting eleven a year ago. Although Pochettino prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation on the field, he switches to a three-man defense, using Freeman and Antonee Robinson as wing-backs. Robinson, who had a successful season at Fulham, has overcome his injury, while 38-year-old veteran center-back Tim Ream partners Richards in the heart of the defense.
Under Pochettino, the US has adopted a high-tempo, aggressive pressing strategy. With a tactic copied from Paris Saint-Germain, they deliberately win opponent's goal kicks and apply counter-pressing. But this risky play makes them vulnerable to nutmegs. In the Turkey match, a nutmeg by Arda Güler through Christian Pulisic's legs set up Kaan Ayhan's winning goal.
European test and expectations
Critics emphasize that the US cannot beat top-level opponents with just high energy and pressing; they need to change the pace of the game and show patience. The US's record against European teams is also not bright: only three wins, 15 losses, and seven draws since 1950. The European series starting with Bosnia and Herzegovina requires inspiration from the 2002 squad that reached the quarterfinals.
Former US goalkeeper Tim Howard is skeptical. "The US absolutely cannot win the World Cup. They would need to play their best games four times in a row, which is impossible," Howard said, calling for realism.
There is a visible increase in support for the team, but loud cheers do not provide skilled play or tactical awareness. Pochettino's sweeping squad changes and the recent defeat serve as a warning for the team.
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