USA advances in World Cup after controversial red card vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
USMNT Advances to World Cup Round of 16 With Victory Over Bosnia and Herzegovina
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The United States men's national soccer team punched its ticket to the Round of 16 at the World Cup on Wednesday night, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
The win marks only the second time in American soccer history that the USMNT has advanced past the knockout stage. The first came in 2002, when the United States topped Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 16.
Folarin Balogun gave the host nation the lead in first-half stoppage time, curling a left-footed shot past Bosnia and Herzegovina goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj from inside the penalty area. The German-born striker had beaten a cluster of defenders to get on the end of a pass and delivered the finish with composure, slipping the ball through Vasilj's legs. He celebrated with an ode to NBA star LeBron James, mimicking the basketball legend's signature pre-game step-over routine as teammates swarmed him in celebration.
The goal came after a contentious earlier sequence in the 29th minute when Balogun appeared to score but was correctly ruled offside following Video Assistant Referee review. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino and his staff accepted the call without protest.
The match shifted dramatically in the 64th minute when Balogun was sent off. After a VAR review determined he had stepped on an opponent's ankle during a challenge, the referee upgraded a initial yellow card to a red, reducing the United States to 10 men for the remaining 26 minutes plus stoppage time. The controversial decision not only changed the complexion of the match but will also sideline Balogun for the Round of 16.
"We had to suffer," FOX Sports analyst Stu Holden observed during the broadcast.
The Americans, despite being down a player, refused to retreat. Christian Pulisic saw a potential goal wiped out by an offside flag, and Sergiño Dest was fouled just outside the box in the 80th minute, earning Bosnia and Herzegovina's Stjepan Radelijic a yellow card and handing the hosts a premium set-piece opportunity.
Malik Tillman stepped up to take the free kick and delivered a masterclass. His curling effort dipped over a five-man wall and sailed past the outstretched arms of Vasilj, doubling the American lead and defusing whatever momentum Bosnia and Herzegovina had built following Balogun's dismissal.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese, who had remained relatively untested in the tournament, was called upon to make a key save in the opening exchanges when Bosnia and Herzegovina's early corner kicks threatened to produce an equalizer. He punched the ball away to preserve the clean sheet.
The victory sets up a Round of 16 showdown in Seattle against Belgium, which mounted a remarkable comeback of its own, overturning a 2-0 deficit against Senegal to win in extra time.
The United States, considered heavy favorites as the host nation in this expanded tournament format, will now face questions about how to replace Balogun's firepower as they continue their pursuit of the World Cup title.