Preview: Bosnia will provide a stern test for an American side in good form
Fresh off a Gold Cup title, Jürgen Klinsmann leads his players into Sarajevo, where they can expect a difficult match. While the USMNT is riding on an 11 match winning streak, the Bosnians have also done well as of late.
The 13th ranked nation in FIFA's latest rankings has not tasted defeat in their last nine matches, setting up what can be an interesting match on Wednesday.
With Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan left out of the squad, Klinsmann has opted to call on some new faces. The likes of Cody Cropper, John Anthony Brooks, Aron Johannsson and Bobby Wood may all get their chance to make a good impression on the German manager.
Having never met in an official match nor a friendly, this will be a new experience for everyone involved. The Dragons have been very strong in their World Cup Qualification group, which has led to them to a very positive FIFA ranking.
After a devastating civil war that rocked the country, the Bosnian's have done a great job in putting their name back on the map when it comes to football. Names like Eden Dzeko, Asmir Begovic and Miralem Pjanic have done their part to help the Balkan nation climb up the FIFA ladder.
Their current run of form appears to have them on path to their first major international tournament. With their last attempt at a World Cup in 2010 being cut short by Portugal in a two match playoff, if they can keep their current form, Safet Sušić could write his name in the history books.
But before any of that can happen, they will need to prove their worth against an American side that was initially criticized after Klinsmann's first few matches, but they have sorted things out since then.
Going a perfect 3-0 in June during their CONCACAF Qualification matches, the Yanks will now try to work on their discouraging 17-54-9 record on European soil.
When questioned about some of the teams new call-ups, Klinsmann expressed his desire to give them an opportunity that they deserve.
"We just really want to give them the opportunity to adjust to the way we do things and understand this is how we work in the United States team, this is our routine, this is our daily schedule, our intensity in training, how we look at things, and our tactical principles," Klinsmann told the media this week.
If called upon to take part in this match, they will also get the chance to play in what can be a hostile environment in Sarajevo. Although it is just a friendly, both sides will still want to continue their good run of form, as some players prepare to kick off their domestic club leagues.
Where to watch the match - live stream, start time, TV channels
Watch Bosnia and Herzegovina vs USA live:
In the USA at 14:30 ET on: ESPN2, UniMás, Watch ESPN
For viewers in Austria, Germany, Croatia and Slovenia, you can follow all the action on EuroSport 2 Germany.
