ABC reporter draws flak for ignorant commentary ahead of the USA’s next World Cup game

ABC7 reporter Abigail Velez went viral for the wrong reasons, drawing backlash for her poor attempt at banter during her latest coverage for the USA in this year’s World Cup.

During a live report after the USA’s 3-2 loss to Turkey, Velez was asked to share her thoughts on the national team’s knockout match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Los Angeles-based reporter bizarrely (and proudly) announced that she has no idea about the Balkan country.

“I could not point out where it is on a map. I don’t know the first thing about Bosnia, and I don’t wanna know. That’s because Team USA, we’re back, we’re better than ever. That’s next Wednesday. Get prepared, Bosnia, because you don’t want it. You don’t want it like that. But you’re gonna get it,” Velez said.

The USA lost 3-2 to Turkey in their group stage finale, but they still claimed the top spot in Group D. As a result, they’ve drawn Bosnia and Herzegovina, who finished third in Group B, as their Round of 32 opponents. These two nations will square off at Levi’s Stadium next Wednesday.

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Abigail Velez issues an apology statement after tasteless USA-Bosnia and Herzegovina commentary

Perhaps after realizing what she had done, Abigail Velez released a statement on Sunday morning, apologizing to fans for her antics.

“In a poor effort to have a little fun with World Cup competition, I took it too far and made a thoughtless comment on air that was insensitive and inappropriate. I apologize to the people of Bosnia and the Bosnian football team,” Velez wrote.

“The World Cup is supposed to be about uniting communities around the world, and my comment didn’t reflect that spirit. Wishing all the teams the very best as they continue their World Cup journey,” she ended.

Bosnia and Herzegovina have reached the World Cup knockouts for the first time, and Velez’s comments might have lit a fire under their bellies ahead of their match against the USA.