USA aiming for historic win vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina

WASHINGTON: The US Men’s National Team haven’t won a World Cup knockout match since 2002 nor ‌have they defeated a European side in any competition in more than five years.
For the current squad, it’s not about revisiting history but making history when the United States plays Bosnia and Herzegovina in a round of 32 match in Santa Clara, California, on Wednesday. The winner will advance to the round of 16 to meet Belgium or Senegal on July 6 in Seattle.
“Honestly, I don’t even think any of us are thinking about it,” US captain Tim Ream said.

“I think it’s just about putting in good performances. If we do everything that we’ve done up to this point we’re going to put ourselves in the best possible position to move on in the tournament.”
The US is confident in advancing despite losing 3-2 to Turkiye on June 25 in what was a meaningless match because the Americans already had clinched first place in Group D.

Nearly all of the starters from the first two matches did not play but the lineup is expected to return to form on ‌Wednesday.
“It’s a knockout ‌round and if you want to win this trophy, the World Cup, you have ‌to ⁠beat everyone and ⁠be able to beat everyone, from Europe or Africa it doesn’t matter,” midfielder Sergino Dest said. “We just want to win.”
Star Christian Pulisic (calf) could return to the starting lineup.

He left the first match at halftime, missed the second game and returned to play 33 minutes as a substitute against Turkiye.
Pulisic said he’s ready to play 90 minutes — or 120, if needed.
“I’m feeling good this week, and I’m definitely ready to go for tomorrow,” Pulisic told reporters Tuesday.
The FIFA rankings list the US as No. 15, Bosnia and Herzegovina as No.