The United States kept their World Cup dream alive with a deserved 2 0 win over Bosnia Herzegovina in Santa Clara, booking a last 16 meeting with Belgium in Seattle on Monday, 6 July.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side played with confidence, pace and purpose from the opening stages, while Bosnia Herzegovina offered very little going forward. The match turned into a memorable yet complicated night for Folarin Balogun, who gave the hosts the breakthrough before being sent off shortly after the hour mark.
Balogun reacted sharply inside the box to guide Malik Tillman’s deflected pass beyond Nikola Vasilj, sending the home crowd into celebration. The Monaco forward had already seen one earlier finish ruled out for offside, but his persistence was finally rewarded with the opening goal.
However, his evening changed dramatically when he tangled with Tarik Muharemovic and caught the defender with his studs down the calf and towards the ankle. The red card left the United States with a difficult final stretch and also ruled Balogun out of the Belgium clash.
It was a costly moment for a player who has been one of America’s standout performers at the tournament. With three goals in three games, the 24 year old has become a key figure in Pochettino’s attack. He also became the first player since Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup final to score and receive a red card in a knockout match.
Christian Pulisic thought he had doubled the lead in the 78th minute, only for another offside flag to deny the co hosts. Tillman eventually removed any doubt with a late curling free kick, sealing the United States’ first World Cup knockout victory since 2002 and their first win over European opposition in 11 matches.
