Bosnia's head coach: "We're going to beat the United States

Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez has backed his side to produce another surprise when they face the United States in the World Cup last 16.

Bosnia opened with a draw against Canada in Toronto and now travel to San Francisco as the underdog against one of the tournament hosts. Former United States goalkeeper Tim Howard said Bosnia might as well not board the plane, insisting they have no chance of winning.

Barbarez brushed off that talk at his pre-match press conference. Bosnia have already upset expectations in qualifying by beating four-time world champions Italy in the European play-offs, and the coach said his players are focused only on reaching the round of 16.

“We are playing to go through to the next round,” Barbarez said. “Isn’t that enough motivation?”

He added that comments like Howard’s are common and do not bother him or his squad.