Image by Ernesto Rodriguez from Pixabay
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The U.S. men’s national team kept its World Cup run alive Wednesday night, defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in a round of 32 match in San Francisco.
The win sends the United States to the round of 16, where it will face Belgium on Monday in Seattle. It also marks the Americans’ first World Cup knockout-stage victory since 2002.
Folarin Balogun gave the U.S. the lead in the 45th minute, scoring just before halftime to put the Americans ahead 1-0.
The match took a turn in the second half when Balogun was shown a red card in the 64th minute after video review determined he committed a serious foul.
The call forced the United States to play the final stretch with 10 men as Bosnia pushed for an equalizer.
But instead of giving in, the U.S. found another goal.
Malik Tillman scored on a direct free kick in the 82nd minute, giving the Americans breathing room as the crowd of 68,827 erupted into celebration.
It was Tillman’s first World Cup goal and helped seal one of the biggest wins for the U.S. men’s program in more than two decades.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese finished with three saves as the United States recorded its second clean sheet of the tournament.
The victory continues a strong World Cup run for the U.S., which is playing on home soil as one of the tournament’s host nations.
The team won Group D before opening the knockout stage against Bosnia.
Next up is Belgium, which advanced after defeating Senegal 3-2 in extra time.
About the Author
