SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Folarin Balogun scored his third goal of the World Cup before receiving a red card in the second half, and Malik Tillman converted a free kick to secure a 2-0 victory for the United States over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday night, advancing the team to the round of 16.
Balogun scored in the 45th minute, having previously had a goal disallowed for offside. The U.S. played with ten men after Balogun's foul against Tarik Muharemovic in the 64th minute.
Christian Pulisic had a goal disallowed for offside in the 78th minute, while Tillman sealed the win with a free kick from just outside the box in the 82nd minute, which was deflected off goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
Pulisic commented, “We had to dig deep for that one. It didn’t go exactly to plan with the red card, but that just shows what a good team we are.”
This victory marks the second time the U.S. has won a knockout round match in the World Cup, following their semifinal appearance in 1930 and a round of 16 win against Mexico in 2002.
The U.S. will face Belgium on Monday in Seattle, aiming for a strong performance on home soil. Balogun, who leads the U.S. with three goals, will miss the Belgium match due to suspension from the red card issued by referee Raphael Claus after a video review.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed optimism, stating, “In football all is possible if you believe.” Balogun matched Landon Donovan's record for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, behind Bert Patenaude’s four goals in 1930.
The match took place near the site of the U.S.'s first knockout round game in the modern era, where they lost to Brazil in 1994. The U.S. was favored in this match and received strong support from fans at Levi’s Stadium, who chanted “U-S-A! U-S-A!” in the closing minutes.
The win ended a 10-game losing streak for the U.S. against European teams, dating back to a tie with England in the 2022 World Cup. The U.S. had started the group stage strong, scoring in the first 15 minutes of all three matches, but faced early pressure from Bosnia, with goalkeeper Matt Freese making key saves.
Balogun's goal came after a pass from Tillman, and he celebrated with a gesture reminiscent of LeBron James. Bosnia's coach Sergej Barbarez acknowledged the impact of the U.S. goal, stating, “Unfortunately things like that happen but at this level they are immediately punished.”