Maurice Edu Backs USMNT World Cup Run Despite 1 Loss to Türkiye

Q: How will the USMNT counter American-born Esmir Bajraktarević, whose inside knowledge could fuel a devastating upset for Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The U.S. plan is to neutralize Esmir Bajraktarević as a transition threat, not to overreact to his American background. The available reporting points to a clear approach: pin Bosnia’s wingers deep, deny space for counters, and force Bajraktarević to defend rather than attack. That fits Mauricio Pochettino’s broader game model and Maurice Edu’s assessment of the team’s strengths. The U.S. expect to press high, move the ball quickly side to side, and use width through fullbacks such as Antonee Robinson and Alex Freeman to stretch Bosnia’s compact 4-4-2. If Bosnia’s wide players are repeatedly dragged back, Bajraktarević’s pace and creativity become harder to use on the break. Defensively, the key is protection against long balls and fast transitions. Bosnia’s danger comes when it can spring counters into open channels, so Tyler Adams’ covering range and the back line’s positioning will be critical. The U.S. are also likely to rely on player familiarity: Bajraktarević’s PSV teammates, including Ricardo Pepi and Sergiño Dest, know his tendencies, while Robinson and Dest are the natural wide defenders to confront him directly. There is no strong evidence that the U.S. are building a special plan around any “inside knowledge” Bajraktarević may have from his U.S. youth background. The emphasis is more practical than psychological: respect Bosnia, control the flanks, keep defensive balance, and make Bajraktarević spend the night chasing the game instead of driving it.

3 articles · Updated · FOX Sports · Jun 30

Maurice Edu said the United States' defeat to Türkiye should not alter expectations, arguing the team rested key players and did not field its best XI before Wednesday's round-of-32 match with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A win in that knockout game, he said, would build belief for both players and fans, especially because some squad members have reached knockout rounds before but have yet to win one.
Ricardo Pepi, Sebastian Berhalter and Auston Trusty were among the reserves Edu highlighted as capable depth pieces, while wing minutes from Tim Weah, Brenden Aaronson or Alex Zendejas could become important.
Weston McKennie, the only U.S. player to start every match, was Edu's standout performer so far, alongside 21-year-old Alex Freeman and striker Folarin Balogun, whose scoring threat he said raises the team's ceiling.
Edu also said the U.S. has the athleticism and pressing ability to trouble powers such as Spain or Portugal if it advances, though reaching that stage would require two knockout wins first.