U.S. men's national team faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in World Cup round of 32

The U.S. men's national team will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup round of 32 on Wednesday in northern California. Bosnia reached the knockout stage for the first time in its history after finishing the group phase with a 3-1 victory over Qatar. Džeko started two of the three group matches and provided the assist on the third goal.

Player background Džeko made his international debut for Bosnia when U.S. defender Chris Richards was seven years old. Richards said he has followed Džeko's club career at Manchester City, Fiorentina, and Schalke. "We've seen him through his City days, seen him at Fiorentina, at Schalke," Richards said.

" Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez said through an interpreter that he communicates with Džeko daily on both soccer and personal matters. Džeko has previously played for clubs including Wolfsburg, Manchester City, Roma, and Inter Milan. Bosnia is appearing in only its second World Cup and its first since 2014, when Džeko also featured.