Folarin Balogun scored his third goal of the tournament and was later sent off with a red card, but Malik Tillman converted a free kick to give the 10-man United States a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday night in Santa Clara, California. The win advances the Americans to the round of 16.
Balogun's first-half dominance
Balogun put the U.S. ahead in the first half and created several other chances, helping the Americans control the early stages of the match. His goal came in the 24th minute, capitalizing on a cross from the right flank. The United States maintained pressure but could not extend the lead before halftime.
Red card shifts momentum
The match turned in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a red card for a foul on Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic. The tackle was deemed reckless by the referee, leaving the U.S. to play the final 26 minutes with 10 men. Despite being a man down, the American defense held firm, limiting Bosnia's scoring opportunities.
Tillman seals the win
With the U.S. under pressure, Tillman delivered a decisive blow in the 82nd minute. He stepped up to a free kick just outside the box and curled the ball past the wall, beating goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj off the hand. The goal doubled the lead and effectively ended any hopes of a Bosnian comeback.
The victory marks just the second World Cup knockout round win for the United States. The Americans reached the semifinals in the inaugural 1930 tournament by winning their group and defeated Mexico in the round of 16 in 2002.
Next up: Belgium
With the round of 32 win in this expanded tournament, the U.S. advances to face Belgium on Monday in Seattle. The Americans aim to make a deep run on home soil, with the support of a partisan crowd expected at the match.
