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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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The United States Men's National Team is facing Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32, and are hoping to come away with a big win, after their disappointing final group match result.
The USMNT fell 3-2 to Turkiye in a game where many of their starting players were out to rest up or avoid additional yellow cards. Notably, Christian Pulisic returned to play in the game after missing his team's previous win against Australia due to a calf injury he'd suffered in the opener.
As the team prepares for its huge match on Wednesday, Fox Sports' Jenny Taft spoke to Pulisic about how his calf is feeling and his expectations for playing in the game.
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"I'm feeling good. It's been a good week of preparation. I felt really good in the last game, so I'm excited to go for it tomorrow," Pulisic told Taft.
"I think we'll get it figured out today, but I'm definitely feeling good," he said when asked if he'll start for the USMNT.
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Pulisic also said they "aren't expecting an easy game at all" against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32, especially after seeing the results in the Knockout Stage so far.
Bosnia-Herzegovina qualified from Group B with four points after a win, a loss, and a draw in their group matches. After a 1-1 draw with Canada, Switzerland defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina, 4-1. However, Bosnia-Herzegovina earned its sole win, 3-1 over Qatar, the team that didn't qualify from the group.
Now they'll face a determined USMNT who picked up back-to-back wins in impressive fashion to start their World Cup. After a two-goal performance from Folarin Balogun in a 4-1 win over Paraguay, the USMNT followed up with a 2-0 win over Australia.
Pulisic was a key member of the USMNT's 2022 World Cup, scoring a goal in their group match win against Iran, and also sending two assists to teammates in other matches. The USMNT reached the Round of 16 and lost to the Netherlands in that edition, but it also started with the Round of 16.
The 2026 World Cup expanded to more teams and therefore has the Round of 32. A win to start things off, aided by Pulisic's playmaking, would certainly be the sort of momentum boost the USMNT needs heading into further competition.
A win by Pulisic and the USMNT against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday would advance them to the Round of 16, where they'll meet the winner of the Belgium and Senegal matchup.
More news: Jurgen Klopp Slams ‘Brutal’ VAR Decision in Germany’s World Cup Loss
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