The United States kept their World Cup dream alive with a spirited 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, booking a place in the round of 16 despite playing the closing stages with 10 men. Folarin Balogun gave the co-hosts the lead before being sent off, but Malik Tillman put the result beyond doubt with a superb late free kick as the Americans showed grit to see the game out.
The win sends the Americans into the Round of 16, where Belgium await in Seattle on July 6, and keeps alive hopes of matching or even bettering their memorable run to the quarter-finals in 2002.
USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina, FIFA World Cup: HIGHLIGHTS
The hosts had enjoyed the better of the first half without making their superiority count until the closing moments before the interval. Balogun finally broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time after a fortunate ricochet off Tarik Muharemovic sent the ball kindly into his path. The striker kept his composure, slipping a left-footed finish through the goalkeeper’s legs to spark celebrations around the stadium.
Bosnia and Herzegovina emerged with greater purpose after the restart, but the game turned on a moment of indiscipline from Balogun. Chasing a loose ball, the forward caught Muharemovic high on the back of the ankle with his studs. Referee Cesar Ramos initially let play continue before being called to the pitchside monitor, where a review resulted in a straight red card.
With more than 25 minutes still to play, the momentum shifted instantly. Bosnia sensed an opportunity, committing more players forward as the home crowd grew increasingly anxious. The United States, meanwhile, retreated into their own half, defending with discipline and refusing to allow Bosnia a clear sight of goal.
Just when it seemed the closing stages would become an exercise in survival, Tillman produced the moment that settled the tie. The midfielder stepped up to a free-kick in the 82nd minute and bent his effort beyond the goalkeeper to double the lead, prompting relief as much as celebration among the American supporters.
The goal ended Bosnia and Herzegovina’s resistance and confirmed the United States’ first World Cup knockout victory since 2002. The only downside for the co-hosts was Balogun’s dismissal, which rules their leading scorer out of the last-16 meeting with Belgium.
The Americans are still standing, and with home support behind them, their World Cup journey continues.
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