Ian Wright is confident that the United States of America will cause an upset and reach the latter stages of this World Cup.
The US followed up their convincing 4-1 win over Paraguay with a 2-0 victory against Australia on Friday to book their place in the tournament’s knockout stages.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side went ahead after just 11 minutes when Australian defender Cameron Burgess turned the ball into his own net.
And Alex Freeman doubled the US lead just before the break as the tournament co-hosts romped to another comfortable win in front of their home fans.
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The best US finish in the modern era of the men’s World Cup was a run to the quarter-finals in 2002, but former England striker Wright believes they have the talent and support to go one further this time around.
‘I think America will get to the semi-finals,’ Wright told FourFourTwo.
‘The reason I say that is because I think they have got a back four that is solid, they have midfielders who play at a good level and we saw with Flo Balogun that he can score goals.
‘They have a fan base that is now starting to get it. Once the Knicks game finished, everyone started to say ‘right, let’s focus on the World Cup.’
‘I think that if they can continue with that momentum and play like that with that energy with a striker up front taking chances like that then they can get to the semi-final to meet England.’
Elsewhere, former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic went further, suggesting the US were capable of winning the whole tournament.
‘If you didn’t believe before, I will repeat: Start believing,’ Ibrahimovic told FOX Sports.
‘They have the country behind them, and when you have this support, it’s difficult to beat you.’
Asked about Ibrahimovic’s bold declaration after their win, US defender Auston Trusty said: ‘That’s our mindset. I don’t think you enter this tournament not to have that mindset.
‘To have [Ibrahimovic] say that about us, that’s amazing. But I’m sure he knows as well, it’s game-by-game.’
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace centre-back Chris Richards added: ‘I don’t think it’s ridiculous. We want to lift a trophy by the end of this.’
The US will play Turkey in their final group game next Friday, but have already secured top spot in Group D thanks to their head-to-head advantage over Paraguay and Australia.
Pochettino’s side will then play a third-place from Group B, E, F, I or J in the round of 32.
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