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.
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The USMNT has been set up in idyllic conditions, with a swanky hotel overlooking the ocean in Dana Point, Calif.
“Some of us go down to the beach, some of us will just hang out with our families at times,” Reyna said when asked how the team spent its downtime. “Some of us hang out in our rooms, play video games. Just lay low and enjoy the time together. But at the same time, we just sit outside, enjoy the beautiful weather we’ve had for the last couple weeks.”
The USMNT continued to train with just 23 players.
Auston Trusty (ankle) and Cristian Roldan (quad strain) have graduated to modified individual training, while Mark McKenzie received treatment on an irritated foot.