United States manager Mauricio Pochettino has played down talk of a long World Cup run, insisting his team's focus must remain solely on surviving the group stage despite a draw that has fuelled optimism among fans and pundits alike.
Speaking in Washington after the draw placed the US in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia, and a European qualifier yet to be confirmed, the Argentine coach stressed that no match could be taken lightly.
The Americans have reasons for confidence following recent victories over both Paraguay and Australia, winning 2-1 in each of their latest encounters. Still, Pochettino believes those results will count for little once the tournament begins.
