US coach Pochettino cool on favorites tag against Bosnia after World Cup shocks

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino is downplaying his team's status as favorites ahead of their World Cup round-of-32 clash against Bosnia. He expressed caution, pointing to a series of unexpected results in the tournament that have seen strong teams eliminated.

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First of all I don't believe that we are the favourite team because ... the last few days (we have seen) how difficult it is for everyone

Pochettino referenced Germany's surprising exit after a shootout loss to Paraguay and Morocco's victory over the Netherlands on penalties. "Everyone said the favorite is Germany but Paraguay beat (them) and Morocco against Netherlands," he told reporters. "In this World Cup, there are many things, factors that can influence the performance. We need to be careful when we say, OK, one is favourite (over) another."

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I think favourite is (something) to talk (about) after, no? Everyone said the favourite is Germany but Paraguay beat (them) and Morocco against Netherlands.

While the U.S. topped their group, Bosnia finished third in theirs. Pochettino stressed the importance of respecting the opponent's capabilities, noting their quality, aggression, and good organization. "They deserve that respect," he said. "You can see that they have quality, not only that they are aggressive and have good organization. They have players with quality and a coach that provides the platform to perform."

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In this World Cup, there are many things, factors that can influence the performance. We need to be careful when we say, OK, one is favourite (over) another.

The coach urged his team to view the match against Bosnia as a "final of the World Cup." He also provided an update on player fitness, stating that Christian Pulisic is fit to start, while Mark McKenzie is unlikely to play due to a foot problem. Auston Trusty, however, is recovering well from an ankle roll and might be available on the bench.

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They deserve that respect. You can see that they have quality, not only that they are aggressive and have good organization. They have players with quality and a coach that provides the platform to perform.