Soccer
Pochettino cools favourites talk as USA bid to win first knockout tie since 2002
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Mauricio Pochettino has played down talk of the USA being favourites against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
All eyes will be on the co-hosts as they bid to win a World Cup knockout tie for the first time since 2002 when they lock horns with Sergej Barbarez’s side in Santa Clara.
But Pochettino, 54, knows his players must be at their best to book a place in the last 16.
The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss said: “Bosnia and Herzegovina are a very combative, aggressive and physical team. 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’s not just that they are aggressive and well organised — they have quality players and a coach who gives them the platform to perform.
“We have complete respect for Bosnia and Herzegovina. I don’t believe we are the favourites.
“Over the past few days, we’ve all seen how difficult this World Cup is. I think it’s easier to talk about favourites after the matches, not before."
As you would expect, Barbarez has ramped up the pressure on Poch’s troops by insisting they are in pole position to advance.
He said: "I still see the USA as favourites. They are above us in the world ranking, they’re on home soil, with some excellent players and a really strong pedigree.
“Being the underdog has never been a problem for us. But once the match kicks off, none of that is important.
“All that matters to us is what happens on the pitch. We have studied the opposition, prepared our match plan and want to show what we are capable of.
"Of course we respect the USA, but that does not mean we won’t take the game to them.
“We will give as good as we get and hope to come out with the win. We’re not going to abandon the approach that has got us to this point.
"I want to see the players celebrating and enjoying the moment together. That is my biggest wish."
With a stronger squad and home advantage in their favour, it is no surprise the USA have been widely tipped to see off Barbarez’s men.
But as this World Cup has already proven, you can never rule out an upset.
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