⚽️ Kick-off time: 5pm local/10am AEST/1am BST/8pm EDT
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Familiar face
For many years, Wisconsin-born Esmir Bajraktarević was part of the US soccer pipeline.
He played for youth national teams.
He worked his way up through the youth ranks at the New England Revolution and overlapped just slightly with US goalkeeper Matt Turner.
He didn’t miss, slotting his attempt just underneath Donnarumma’s gloves as the keeper dove to his left.
Bajraktarević peeled off to the corner flag and held his Bosnia aloft for the home supporters to admire: Zmajevi were back in the World Cup at Italy’s expense.
That sort of fearlessness in the big moment, coupled with experience scuppering a 2026 World Cup co-host’s home-field advantage, makes Bajraktarević and his team a compelling first knockout adversary.
for the US.
Bajraktarević started against Canada and Qatar and came off the bench against the Swiss, logging 214 minutes (including stoppage time) and operating as a recipient for progressive passes.
Only Ivan Bašić has played more passes into the box than Bajraktarević’s five for Bosnia and Herzegovina, per Futi, while his 70 attacking-third touches trail his opposite winger, Kerim Alajbegović.
Continue reading...Sources: The Guardian
