In the run up to this jointly hosted World Cup, there was a general wisdom that went something like this: 48 teams? A round of 32? That’s gonna dilute the quality, lead to some really lopsided, boring matches.

Ask England fans if they are bored.

Ask Germany if they found it too easy.

Ask any of the opponents that encountered the now eliminated Panama if their win was due to opponent weakness.

This has been a phenomenal first knockout round so far. We’ve only just passed the halfway point of the 16 matches to be played, and we’ve seen some inspired play, and some shocking upsets.

Now the USMNT step up to play perhaps the most surprising giant killer of all to navigate the qualifying playoffs. Tonight, we play Bosnia and Herzegovina.

US coach Mauricio Pochettino and his charges will be wary. The Bosnian squad was hardly favored to advance past Wales in Cardiff, but an 85th minute headed goal by all time national team great, Edin Dzeko, was enough to carry them to extra time. Cardiff witnessed a penalty kick defeat that Welsh fans will surely never forget. It seemed even more unlikely that Bosnia and Herzegovina would defeat Italy, a historical power that most assumed would take advantage of the expanded tournament to return to the heights after two failed qualification cycles. Again, a late second half goal for Bosnia and Herzegovina carried them through extra time and penalties, where the former giants crumbled.

Today’s opponents have showed a remarkable ability to align for a pivotal play, and a dedication to collective defensive labor. The USMNT would be wise to not let it be close.

Having rested almost every player that started the USMNT’s romp against Paraguay in the opener in the final group match, a narrow 3-2 loss to Turkiye, Pochettino will know he has preserved the legs, and that his squad will have to lock in and dedicate themselves to a relentless start.

The last time the USMNT won a knockout round match in a World Cup, Landon Donovan was a debutant and breakout star, and the creative Reyna was named Claudio.

They will look to change that tonight. Let’s go.

How to Watch

USMNT vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina

Advertised Kick-off Time: 8:00pm Eastern, 5:00pm Pacific

Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Available TV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish), Universo (Spanish)

Available streaming: Fox Sports (English), Fox One (English), Peacock (Spanish), FuboTV (Free Trial)