USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun receives controversial red card during Round of 32 match

U.S. Men's National Team Edges Bosnia and Herzegovina in Tense World Cup Round of 32 Match

The U.S. men's national team advanced past Bosnia and Herzegovina in a heated Round of 32 World Cup matchup on Wednesday night, surviving a second-half red card to star striker Folarin Balogun and holding on for a 2-0 victory.

Balogun, who had given the U.S. an early lead with a first-half goal, was sent off in the second half after referee Raphael Claus reviewed video footage of a challenge in which Balogun stepped on an opposing player's leg while going for the ball. The dismissal left the Americans down a man for the remainder of the match and put their lead in jeopardy.

The red card came as a surprise to many observers, with social media lighting up in reaction to the decision. Under tournament rules, the suspension carries over, meaning Balogun will be unavailable for the Round of 16 if the U.S. advances.

Despite the setback, the Americans held firm. Malik Tillman, who assisted Balogun's opening goal, added a second on a free kick to extend the lead to 2-0. Bosnia and Herzegovina ramped up their offensive pressure following the ejection, searching for a way back into the match, but the U.S. defense withstood the push.

Balogun had been one of the standouts for the U.S. throughout the tournament, creating chances from the opening whistle. He fired several shots on goal in the first half, including one that was ruled offside, before finally breaking through with a finish off a touch from Tillman.

With the win, the U.S. moves on to the knockout stage's round of 16, though they will have to do it without one of their most dangerous attacking pieces.