SOCCER: 10-man US earn 2-0 win over Bosnia, charge into round of 16

The United States men’s national soccer team secured a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California, booking a place in the World Cup Round of 16 after a tense and physical knockout-stage clash.

United States men's national soccer team broke the deadlock through Folarin Balogun in the first half before Malik Tillman sealed the result with a stunning late free kick in the 82nd minute, ensuring progression despite a second-half red card.

Balogun opened the scoring in the 45th minute after capitalizing on a loose ball inside the box. The forward reacted quickest to a defensive deflection and finished clinically from close range for his third goal of the tournament, giving the United States a 1-0 halftime advantage.

The forward had earlier seen a goal ruled out for offside in the 31st minute, continuing an eventful opening half. He later came close again in first-half stoppage time, striking the crossbar following a precise delivery from Sergiño Dest.

Momentum shifted sharply in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a straight red card following a challenge in which his foot made contact with an opponent during an aerial duel. The decision was confirmed after video review, reducing the United States to 10 men and ruling Balogun out of the next match against Belgium.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the U.S. maintained defensive discipline under pressure. Goalkeeper Matt Freese delivered a composed performance, producing three key saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Bosnia and Herzegovina threatened early, forcing back-to-back saves in the opening minutes, but struggled to sustain attacking momentum as the U.S. controlled large stretches of possession and territory.

The decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute after Sergiño Dest drew a foul near the penalty area. Tillman stepped up and curled a powerful free kick over the wall into the upper-left corner from 21 yards, restoring control for the U.S. and effectively sealing the result.

A potential Christian Pulisic goal in the 78th minute was disallowed for offside, briefly halting celebrations before Tillman’s strike shifted the match decisively.

Christian Pulisic started the match after returning from injury, providing an important attacking presence throughout the contest. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino retained the same starting lineup used in the team’s previous 4-1 victory over Paraguay, signaling continuity in a high-stakes knockout setting.

Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Džeko exited in the 51st minute due to a possible leg injury, further limiting Bosnia’s attacking options. The match also featured Esmir Bajraktarević, who entered against his country of birth after previously representing the United States at youth level.

The victory marks a rare knockout-stage success for the United States, its first since the 2-0 win over Mexico in the 2002 World Cup Round of 16, a run that previously carried the team to the quarterfinals.

The United States will now face Belgium in Seattle on Monday, following Belgium’s 3-2 extra-time win over Senegal earlier in the day. -Field Level Media/Reuters