Christian Pulisic and his US teammates face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday for a place in the last 16. There is no margin for error in the last 32, as Germany and the Netherlands discovered to their cost. In the expanded World Cup format, the addition of another knockout round has added more jeopardy, even for established heavyweights of international soccer.
England v DR Congo: Noon ET, Atlanta Stadium
England fit the bill as heavyweights with the Three Lions among the favourites to lift the World Cup. However, Thomas Tuchel’s side must up their game to overcome the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday in a match that has upset potential. England’s progression to this stage hasn’t been entirely smooth, but Tuchel’s team certainly have the talent to be contenders. Many argue England are set up to play higher-calibre opponents. DR Congo, however, could pose a similar challenge to the one England failed to overcome against Ghana.
The African outfit will look to sit deep in a low block. Their defensive line includes the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe and could take some breaking down. At the other end of the pitch, DR Congo like to commit bodies forward on the counter, making them an attacking threat as well. Player to watch: Jude Bellingham, England – the Real Madrid talisman is dragging his national team through a major tournament, his leadership qualities shining through once more. England are dependent on him.
Belgium v Senegal: 4pm ET, Seattle Stadium
Belgium finally found their groove in their final group game, putting five goals past New Zealand. The Red Devils played at a much higher tempo as Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard and Jérémy Doku all demonstrated the level expected of them from the start of the World Cup. Senegal left it late to secure their knockout place, but made a statement by thumping Iraq 5-0 to progress as one of the eight best third-place teams. Sadio Mane and Co have the attacking quality to be a problem for any opponent. This tie could swing either way.
Player to watch: Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium – the Napoli playmaker is a weather vane for his national team. When De Bruyne plays well, Belgium play well. His natural creativity is crucial to their general play through the midfield and into the forward line.
USA v Bosnia and Herzegovina: 8pm ET, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
The USA hope their last-32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina won’t hold upset potential. Mauricio Pochettino’s team have moved through the tournament with ease so far, but could find things much less comfortable against a stubborn opponent. Pochettino’s decision to rest most of his first-choice players for the USA’s dead-rubber group finale against Turkey will have paid dividends if the co-hosts are able to keep up the intensity against a Bosnia and Herzegovina team who will sit deep and ask to be broken down.
Bosnia and Herzegovina embrace the slog. They made it to this World Cup by winning back-to-back penalty shootouts against Wales and Italy and will attempt to make the USA’s life a misery in Santa Clara by closing space between the lines, staying compact at the back and playing for set pieces. Player to watch: Christian Pulisic, USA – the Milan winger made his return from injury against Turkey and could be in line to start. Pulisic’s direct running and one-v-one ability could be critical to breaking down the Bosnia and Herzegovina backline.
How to Watch: TV Channels and Streaming
For England v DR Congo, United States viewers can watch on Fox or Telemundo (stream on Fubo), Canada on TSN, United Kingdom on BBC One, and Australia on SBS. Belgium v Senegal is on Fox/Telemundo in the US, TSN in Canada, ITV1 in the UK, and SBS in Australia. USA v Bosnia and Herzegovina airs on Fox/Telemundo in the US, TSN in Canada, BBC One in the UK, and SBS in Australia.
