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The United States have advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup after a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking their first knockout-stage victory in nearly 25 years and only the second in their history. The result sets up a high-profile meeting with Belgium in Seattle on Monday.
Folarin Balogun was both a hero and a setback for the hosts. The striker opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, finishing calmly after a deflected pass from Malik Tillman found him in space inside the box. The goal sent the California crowd into celebration, as the United States ended a tense first-half spell with a crucial breakthrough.
However, Balogun’s night took a dramatic turn in the 64th minute when he was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic. The dismissal left the United States to defend their lead with ten men for the remainder of the match. Despite the setback, Mauricio Pochettino’s side showed resilience.
Bosnia had earlier threatened through veteran captain Edin Džeko and Ermedin Demirović, but failed to convert key chances. Džeko, 40, was forced off early in the second half as Bosnia reshuffled their attack.
The decisive second goal came in the 82nd minute. Malik Tillman stepped up after a foul on Sergiño Dest and curled a free kick over the wall and beyond goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, who could not reach it despite getting his fingertips to the effort.
The United States survived a nervy closing stretch, including stoppage-time pressure and a late shot that drifted narrowly wide, before sealing a clean sheet and progression.
