Head coach Sergej Barbarez addressed the media and, among other things, commented on tomorrow's opponent: "This is a team that has my utmost respect. The way they've embraced the excitement surrounding this World Cup as hosts is great to see. I truly respect them, and I'm happy we'll be playing against them tomorrow. We're going there to compete, and I hope we'll have the edge in the end. We'll try to preserve everything that brought us here: our winning mentality, our approach, our determination. I'm happy we're still in America, and I hope we'll stay here a little longer."

Following the press conference, the Dragons completed their official training session at San Jose Park Stadium. Before training, captain Edin Džeko and his teammates Nikola Vasilj and Arjan Malić spoke to the media reps.

Džeko: "There have been many big games. I don't know if this is the biggest, but when it comes to World Cups, it certainly is. This is our first time in the knockout stage, and that's something new for this team, especially for the younger players, but also for me. I hope there'll be many more. We know we're playing against the host nation, but everyone's talking about Bosnia and Herzegovina, and I think that's the best thing for all of us because it promotes our country. We have an opportunity to achieve something great. It certainly won't be an easy match. They've shown they're a good, fast, and well-organized team, but Bosnia and Herzegovina isn't here by accident either. We have our own strengths and qualities, and I hope we'll show that."

Vasilj: "The atmosphere within the team is certainly great. Reaching the knockout stage was a major step forward, and we're all very pleased. We arrived here yesterday, and today we're holding our first training session at this stadium. The match awaits us tomorrow, and we're looking forward to it in a positive mood. I don't think we've underestimated anyone throughout this World Cup, including Qatar. We approach every match with maximum seriousness and give 100 percent. This match carries extra weight because it's the knockout stage, which makes it important for all of us to perform at our highest level."

Malić: "We've all seen what the Americans are capable of, and to be honest, they surprised me with the way they played in the group stage. We're here because we made it through our group, and now we're going to play a tough, good game and make things as difficult as possible for them. We'll give everything we have and, God willing, reach another historic moment."

The United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match is scheduled for July 1 at 17:00 local time, or July 2 at 02:00 CET. The match will be officiated by Raphael Claus of Brazil.