Americans finally notch second knockout match victory
Folarin Balogun scored but was sent off as the United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to reach the last 16 of the World Cup on Wednesday.
The co-hosts’ first World Cup knockout victory in nearly a quarter-century—and only their second ever—sets up a clash with Belgium in Seattle on Monday.
“I’m feeling so proud about the team. Very proud,” said US coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Balogun’s goal on the stroke of halftime sent the crowd in California into delirium.
Curling winner
But it wasn’t all good for the Americans.
Balogun saw red as VAR intervened following a nasty clash with Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic. Yet even with the US forced into a 10-man rearguard action, Malik Tillman curled in a free kick to secure the win.
“The guys had to dig in deep. It didn’t go exactly to plan with the red card, but that just shows what a good team we are,” said US forward Christian Pulisic.
US supporters flocked into the San Francisco Bay Area stadium in festive mood, their exuberant confidence summed up by the traditional pre-match fighter jet flyover in the bright California skies.
Bosnia had the best early chances. Forty-year-old captain Edin Dzeko held up a launched pass from his goalkeeper and laid it off for Ermedin Demirovic, who shot right at Matt Freese.
US pressure began to tell. Balogun had a decent penalty shout for a clumsy Amar Dedic tackle waved away. Soon after the American striker had the ball in the net, but was offside.
The crowd’s nerves were soon soothed, as Balogun scored in the 45th minute.
US captain Tim Ream intercepted a Bosnian goal kick, swiftly playing it to Tillman. His through ball deflected into the path of Balogun, who tucked it away.
Seconds before halftime, another Balogun shot from the six-yard line clipped the crossbar.
