The Americans topped Group D after impressive victories over Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0), sealing qualification for the knockout stage with a game to spare. Pochettino then rotated his squad for the final group fixture, where the USA suffered a 3-2 defeat to Turkiye after conceding a late winner. Regular starters Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun and Chris Richards are all expected to return to the starting XI for the knockout encounter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the USA entering the match as one of the tournament\u2019s stronger teams, Pochettino dismissed any suggestion that his side should be considered favourites and praised Bosnia and Herzegovina for their quality and organisation<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBosnia and Herzegovina are a very combative, aggressive and physical team, but they are also well organised and have a very good coach. When you watch their group-stage matches or their qualifier against Italy in March, you can see they have quality. It\u2019s not just that they are aggressive and well organised; they have quality players and a coach who gives them the platform to perform,\u201d Pochettino told FIFA.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former Argentina defender also revealed that he has been preparing his players mentally for knockout football long before the tournament began, treating every important fixture as a must-win contest.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOf course, tomorrow is a final, but the game against Paraguay was a final too. We tried to recreate that feeling in our warm-up matches because we wanted to recreate those emotions and that intensity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pochettino added that his coaching staff has also devoted considerable attention to preparing for the possibility of a penalty shootout.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYes, we will be ready if it comes to penalties. We started working with a few companies in that area because I think it\u2019s really important. I don\u2019t want to say too much about it, but we have been working on it because, as a coaching staff, we believe we can give the players tools to improve and help them find the best way to deal with situations like this,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pochettino added that his coaching staff has also devoted considerable attention to preparing for the possibility of a penalty shootout.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe have complete respect for Bosnia and Herzegovina. I don\u2019t believe we are the favourites. Over the past few days, we\u2019ve all seen how difficult this World Cup is. I think it\u2019s easier to talk about favourites after the matches, not before,\u201d Pochettino added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n