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United States men’s national football team advanced to the FIFA World Cup last 16 with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team on Wednesday, overcoming a second-half red card to secure a historic knockout-stage win.
The victory, the co-hosts’ first World Cup knockout triumph in nearly 25 years and only their second ever, sets up a last-16 clash with Belgium national football team in Seattle on Monday.
Folarin Balogun gave the United States the lead just before half-time but was later sent off after a VAR review, forcing Mauricio Pochettino’s side to play the final stages with 10 men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Malik Tillman sealed the victory with a superbly curled free-kick in the 82nd minute.
Bosnia made the brighter start and nearly took the lead when veteran captain Edin Džeko set up Ermedin Demirović, whose effort was comfortably saved by American goalkeeper Matt Freese. Freese was called into action again moments later to prevent a dangerous corner from curling directly into the net.
The United States gradually gained control of the match, with Balogun first denied a penalty after a challenge from Amar Dedić before seeing another effort ruled out for offside.
The breakthrough finally came in first-half stoppage time. Captain Tim Ream intercepted a Bosnian goal kick and quickly released Tillman, whose pass deflected into Balogun’s path. The striker calmly finished beneath goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to send the home crowd into celebration.
The Americans almost doubled their lead before the interval, but Balogun’s close-range effort struck the crossbar.
Bosnia suffered another setback early in the second half when Džeko was forced off through injury, prompting coach Sergej Barbarez to make a triple substitution.
The turning point came in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a straight red card after VAR determined that he had stamped on the foot of defender Tarik Muharemović.
With the United States reduced to 10 men, Bosnia pressed for an equaliser, but Demirović failed to capitalise on a clear opportunity, shooting directly at Freese.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino rallied his players during a hydration break, urging them to stay compact and disciplined.
The decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute when Tillman curled a free-kick over the defensive wall and beyond Vasilj despite the goalkeeper getting fingertips to the ball.
Bosnia pushed forward during 10 minutes of stoppage time and substitute Ermin Mahmić came close with a shot that flashed narrowly wide.
However, the Americans held firm to preserve a clean sheet and secure a memorable victory, keeping alive their World Cup campaign on home soil.
