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Stakes suddenly high again for USMNT in knockout round
New York Post • • general
Key Points:
- The U.S. men's national soccer team has advanced past the group stage at the World Cup and faces Bosnia-Herzegovina in the new round of 32 on Wednesday in Santa Clara, Calif., aiming to win a knockout game for the first time since 2002.
- Historically, the U.S. has struggled in knockout rounds, losing in the round of 16 in 2010, 2014, and 2022, but the introduction of the round of 32 adds a new challenge this year.
- Bosnia-Herzegovina, a young and technical team known for direct play and aggressive tactics, finished third in Group B with a 1-1-1 record, posing a stylistically similar but distinct challenge to the U.S.
- U.S. captain Tim Ream emphasized the importance of maintaining the intensity and performance level from the group stage into the knockout rounds, where every action could determine advancement or elimination.
- Midfielder Cristian Roldan is nearing full fitness after a quad injury and is expected to be ready for the upcoming matches, with the U.S. team returning to full training on Sunday.
