US defeat Bosnia to reach World Cup last 16 despite Balogun red card

SANTA CLARA: The United States secured a place in the FIFA World Cup last 16 with a determined 2-0 victory over Bosnia on Wednesday, overcoming the challenge of playing with 10 men for much of the second half to register their first World Cup knockout-stage win in 24 years.

Folarin Balogun gave the co-hosts the lead just before halftime, but the striker’s night took a dramatic turn when he was sent off early in the second half following a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Americans remained resilient before Malik Tillman sealed the victory with a late free-kick.

The result also ended a run of 10 straight defeats against European opposition and earned the United States a round-of-16 clash with Belgium in Seattle on Monday. Belgium had earlier fought back from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time.

“I felt we put on such a good performance and didn’t deserve the red card,” captain Christian Pulisic said.

“But for us to dig in deep like that and just to get another goal and to defend the way we did, it took a real team effort, but we’re proud of that.”

The hosts started brightly in front of a passionate home crowd, creating several opportunities through quick passing and energetic attacking play. However, they were frustrated at times as both Balogun and Pulisic had goals disallowed, while Bosnia’s disciplined defence repeatedly denied the Americans space in the final third.

Balogun remained the biggest attacking threat, testing the defence on multiple occasions before capitalising on a loose ball to score his third goal of the tournament. Bosnia, appearing in their first-ever World Cup knockout match, created few clear opportunities. Veteran striker Edin Dzeko forced an early save from goalkeeper Matt Freese, but the European side struggled to trouble the American defence consistently.

The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, with fans in red, white and blue providing constant support as the match began with a ceremonial fighter-jet flyover. US head coach Mauricio Pochettino defended Balogun after the match, insisting the challenge that led to the dismissal was accidental.

“The team showed the qualities, the capacity to compete, to fight for each other,” Pochettino said. “Yes, I am so proud, so proud about the players. They are the heroes.” Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez admitted his side failed to create enough scoring opportunities but praised his players for reaching the knockout stage.

“We should hold our heads up high and we can really improve and build on this,” he said.