Bosnia and Herzegovina’s all-time leader in appearances and goals, ex-Manchester City star Edin Džeko, is wary of the talent the U.S. Men’s National Team possesses, but remains confident his side has the ability to pull off an upset in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
The two teams meet on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California, in the first knockout round after Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT won Group D, whilst Sergej Barbarez’s Bosnian side finished third in Group B.
Speaking ahead of the game, former Premier League and Bundesliga champion Džeko spoke with reporters about the USMNT, their growth in recent years, and why he remains confident that the underdogs could yet shock the tournament co-hosts.
“We all know the American team. I think it's very impressive what they did in the last few years, obviously, growing up. And now most of the players are playing in Europe for the best teams,” the 40-year-old said, via Ben Jacobs.
“That shows also the quality of the U.S. team. Also, bringing Pochettino is another master thing for the Americans. And yeah, I mean, you are definitely favorites, but we have our qualities. We are not here just to be here and came here for luck.
“Obviously, we have guys like Esmir [Bajraktarević], like Kerim [Alajbegović], great players. I think what you mentioned before, Esmir, I think it's just his beginning and he still didn't show his all potential and hopefully he will for Bosnia, obviously.”
While both 21-year-old Bajraktarević and 18-year-old Alajbegović will be worth watching out for, the USMNT will also need to be wary of 21-year-old Ermin Mahmić, whose two goals in as many games are a team high this summer.
To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE
Before departing for training, Džeko was quizzed about an American TV “report that pointed out that they couldn't tell you where Bosnia was on a map,” and whether or not his side used such things as motivational factors, along with being seen as the underdogs.
“I mean, I think that shows a lot about them, not about us. And I think the most important thing is what the guys on the American team, in the U.S. team think, and I think they are not going to underestimate us because they know they have experience in the knockout phase,” he replied.
“Nobody will come out just as a lucky team. And I think they know we have qualities and we know we have qualities. And obviously, we know that the American, U.S. team have a big quality. They are very fast players, going so much deep. But like I said, you are the favorites, but the knockout phase is totally different than the group stage.”
Whichever side leaves Levi’s Stadium with the win will then have to prepare to take on Belgium in the Round of 16. The Red Devils beat Senegal courtesy of a 125th-minute penalty from Youri Tielemans, after he and Romelu Lukaku each scored once apiece in the final 10 minutes of regulation to tie the game.
Source: Alloutsoccer.com
