A resilient 10-man United States side secured a place in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 with a commanding 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, ending a 24-year wait for a knockout-stage triumph.
Playing in front of a passionate home crowd in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Americans produced an energetic display to keep their World Cup dream alive despite finishing the match with a man less.
Folarin Balogun broke the deadlock shortly before halftime after the USA dominated much of the opening period.
The hosts continued to press after the interval but suffered a setback when Balogun was shown a red card for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic that appeared unintentional.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, the Americans remained composed and doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute. Malik Tillman sealed the victory with a superbly struck free kick that left the Bosnian goalkeeper with no chance.
The encounter was fiercely contested, with the USA seeing goals from Balogun and Christian Pulisic ruled out during an eventful evening.
Driven by the support of a vocal crowd chanting “U-S-A” throughout the contest, the hosts started brightly and repeatedly threatened the Bosnian defence.
Pulisic, restored to the starting lineup, was influential in attack, while Balogun’s movement caused constant problems. Weston McKennie and Tillman also played key roles in maintaining the team’s momentum.
The result ended a frustrating run of 10 consecutive defeats against European opponents and booked the United States a last-16 showdown with Belgium in Seattle.
Belgium advanced after producing a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time, setting up an intriguing clash with the Americans for a place in the quarter-finals.
