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U.S. faces Bosnia in first World Cup knockout round

Bob Gee

U.S. player Malik Tillman dribbles the ball against Australia in the World Cup. — Midfielder Malik Tillman and his U.S. teammates will need a performance like their 2-0 win over Australia to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina. Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The pressure ratchets up significantly for the U.S. national team Wednesday night in its quest to make a historic World Cup run on American soil.

Driving the news: The U.S. faces Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara, Calif., in the round of 32 (8 p.m. ET, Fox).

State of play: Bosnia is the lowest-ranked European team in the tournament.

It's on par with Australia, a team the U.S. beat 2-0 during the group stage.

Yes, but: The Americans have lost to the last 10 European opponents they've faced, a streak dating back to a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands in the first knockout round of the last World Cup.

The bottom line: Win, and the U.S. advances to play in the round of 16 in Seattle on Monday. Lose, and the World Cup will be an instant disappointment for the co-hosts.

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U.S. faces Bosnia in first World Cup knockout round

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