US playing at home and trying to avoid another quick exit from World Cup knockout rounds

NEW YORK: (Jun 30)  Getting to the knockout rounds of the World Cup is nothing new for the United States. But that’s usually where the American make a quick exit.

Wednesday’s match against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California, marks the eighth time the U.S. has played in an elimination round in 12 World Cups. But only once, in 2002, have the Americans a won a match in the knockout rounds.

Because this year’s tournament was expanded to 48 teams, the first knockout round includes 32, creating an extra round of elimination play.