'We have to come out with an intensity' - Tim Ream challenges USMNT team-mates to make fast start against Bolivia in Copa America opener

The Fulham defender was keen to stress that him and his side will need to improve their performance levels in the tournament if they are to progress deep into the tournament. The US have not been in their finest form in recent months and few have high hopes for the side - despite their 1-1 draw with Brazil recently.

Speaking to reporters before the game, Ream said: "We have to come out with an intensity, with a desire to impose ourselves on the game and make sure that we're the ones that are doing the right things and creating the feel and the intensity of the games. It's going to be important for us to do that from the first minute. Obviously, we don't want to have anything happen like [against] Jamaica, where you're scrambling for the rest of the game."

The US are playing in their fifth Copa America tournament. They even made the semi-finals in 1995, a run which included a famous 3-0 win over Argentina, before losing to Brazil. Ream will only be dreaming of replicating that feat once again.

Reamand the rest of the USMNT will have the opportunity to put their words into action against Bolivia - the lowest ranked South American team. The other sides in their group are Uruguay and Panama, with the former favourites to win the group.