The United States men’s national soccer team booked a place in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team 2-0 in a dramatic round of 32 clash on Wednesday.
According to Channels Television, Folarin Balogun gave the hosts the lead just before half-time before being sent off in the second half, forcing the Americans to finish the game with 10 men.
The co-hosts claimed their first World Cup knockout win in nearly 25 years and only their second ever, setting up a last-16 showdown with Belgium national football team in Seattle.
Bosnia started brightly and created early chances through veteran striker Edin Džeko and Ermedin Demirović, but the Americans gradually gained control.
Balogun broke the deadlock in the 45th minute after a quick move involving Tim Ream and Malik Tillman. Tillman’s pass fell kindly for Balogun, who calmly slotted home to send the home crowd into celebration.
The game turned in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a straight red card after a VAR review ruled he stamped on Tarik Muharemović.
Despite the setback, the United States men’s national soccer team held firm. Coach Mauricio Pochettino rallied his side during a hydration break, urging them to stay united and fight for the result.
The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Tillman curled a superb free-kick beyond goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to seal victory.
The Americans survived intense late pressure, with Bosnia substitute Ermin Mahmić going close in stoppage time, but ultimately held on for a famous win.
Pochettino praised his players after the match, describing the performance as a display of character and unity under pressure.
For Bosnia, coach Sergej Barbarez said his side could still take pride in reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
The victory keeps the USA’s World Cup dream alive on home soil as they prepare for a high-stakes clash against Belgium.
