Knockout Stage Day 4 brings another massive slate as the Round of 32 continues. England looks to avoid an upset against a dangerous DR Congo side, Belgium faces a fast and confident Senegal team, and Team USA takes the field with a chance to make history for the co-host nations.
With two co-hosts already through to the Round of 16, the spotlight now shifts to the U.S. as they look to complete the trifecta and keep the home-soil momentum alive.
England vs. DR Congo
This is a very favorable matchup for England, despite their camp not taking anything for granted. As much as that might be true for the Three Lions, deep down the coaching staff is working overtime to keep the team convinced that nothing is going to be easy against Congo.
DR Congo continues to be the team that keeps proving itself with surprising results. It was certainly not an easy road for Congo to qualify, defeating African foes such as Nigeria and Cameroon, which proved that they belong and are serious about competing.
England has an elite striker in Harry Kane, who will occupy the attention of Congo’s defenders. That should open up space and time for the other English weapons to move into threatening scoring positions.
The Congolese fans continue bringing joy and enthusiasm into the stands, and they will do so again in Atlanta. Congo scored four goals and allowed three in group play, so do not anticipate them sitting back in a low block for too long.
England will look to score early and set the record straight within the first five to 10 minutes of the match. Congo will not back down and will steadily fight back, trying to resist the best of mighty England.
England will not buckle or allow itself to become frustrated.
Pro Paul’s Pick: England advances.
Belgium vs. Senegal
Belgium has witnessed the fate of some fellow European neighbors faltering and will not take anything lightly against Senegal.
The Red Devils have a great team that sometimes starts slow before getting going. The quick play and counters from Senegal present real concerns for a potentially exposed Belgium backline.
Senegal has proven that it can score goals, racking up eight so far in the tournament. All indicators are not pointing in one clear direction, so anticipate end-to-end action on both sides of the pitch.
Just remember, mistakes are costly at this level, and experience certainly matters when the pressure hits its peak.
Belgium has the talent and composure to manage the moment, but Senegal will make them work for every inch.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Belgium advances.
USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Two of the three co-host countries are already through to the Round of 16, and now the world is waiting for Team USA to solidify the trifecta after taking on underdog Bosnia and Herzegovina in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The fans and people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a nation of 3.1 million, have believed in this team from day one. That belief started back in the qualifying playoff matches against Italy, when others wrote them off long ago. Heading into the match against Team USA, it still stands that their entire nation is behind them, even as others are writing them off again.
Team USA has a dangerous front three and a supporting cast loading up behind them. Balogun, Dest, and Pulisic are all ready to come out firing. It is going to be a huge challenge for the Bosnians.
The U.S. is playing with confidence and fire, and the home crowd will be loud and proud in rooting them on.
When everyone discounted Bosnia, somehow they continued to defeat the odds. This match has vaulted intensity to stratosphere levels, and many indicators have Bosnia exiting the Cup after this game.
It will not be an easy match for either side by any means. But given the fact that Team USA is on home soil, the edge shifts to the Americans as they look to win and make this the first time all three co-host nations reach the Round of 16.
