The hosts step into the knockouts — with something to prove

Home World Cups come with a weight, and the USA felt it in that 3-2 defeat to Turkiye. But they topped the group anyway, and a knockout tie in front of a home crowd in San Francisco is exactly the kind of stage Mauricio Pochettino’s young side should relish.

Bosnia are awkward opponents — built around the timeless Edin Džeko, who at 40 still bullies defenders, and a hard-working midfield. They snuck through as one of the best third-placed teams and have nothing to lose.

Pulisic is the difference-maker. If the USA play with the freedom they showed against Paraguay, they should have too much. If the nerves return, Džeko only needs one chance.