Photo: David Gonzales ~ Imagn Images
SANTA CLARA, Calif. ~ The United States advanced to the Round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. The Americans controlled much of the match and were rewarded just before halftime when Folarin Balogun scored in the 45th minute after having an earlier goal disallowed for offside. The breakthrough gave the United States a 1-0 lead and capped off a strong first half.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 64th minute when Balogun received a straight red card following a VAR review. Forced to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match, the Americans stayed organized defensively and limited Bosnia and Herzegovina’s opportunities. Goalkeeper Matt Freese was rarely called upon as the U.S. back line held firm under increased pressure.
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(CONTINUED) Any uncertainty disappeared in the 82nd minute when midfielder Malik Tillman converted a free kick from just outside the penalty area to double the lead. The goal secured the result and allowed the United States to comfortably see out the final minutes. Balogun and Tillman accounted for the scoring, while Christian Pulisic and Sergiño Dest helped create chances throughout the match.
The victory sends the United States into the Round of 16, where it will face Belgium on Monday. Belgium advanced earlier Wednesday with a 3-2 comeback victory over Senegal. The Americans will be without Balogun, who is suspended following his red card, but they carry momentum into one of their biggest matches of the tournament after earning a shutout and advancing to the knockout stage’s next round.
