US men’s national soccer team kept its FIFA World Cup campaign alive with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team in the round of 32, securing a place in the tournament’s round of 16.
Folarin Balogun opened the scoring just before halftime with his third goal of the tournament after a well-worked move involving Tim Ream and Malik Tillman. Balogun had several opportunities throughout the first half and was the standout performer before being sent off in the 64th minute following a challenge on Tarik Muharemović.
Despite playing with 10 men for the final stages of the match, the United States maintained control and doubled its advantage in the 82nd minute. Tillman converted a free kick from just outside the penalty area, with the ball slipping past Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj despite getting a hand to the shot.
The victory marks only the second knockout-stage win in FIFA World Cup history for the United States. Their previous knockout triumph came against Mexico in the 2002 edition, while the team also reached the semi-finals in the inaugural 1930 World Cup after topping its group.
The Americans will now face Belgium national football team in the round of 16 in Seattle as they continue their bid for a deep run on home soil.
The result also ended the United States’ 10-match winless streak against European opposition at the World Cup. It was the team’s first World Cup victory over a European side since defeating Portugal in the 2002 tournament.
Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded a memorable campaign after reaching the knockout stage for the first time, following a group-stage draw against Canada and a win over Qatar.