SOCCER: US coach Pochettino says Balogun did not deserve red card

SANTA CLARA, California — United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino praised his team's resilience and unity after the Americans defeated Bosnia 2-0 despite playing with 10 men in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match on Wednesday.

The victory marked the United States' first World Cup knockout-stage win since 2002 and secured a last-16 meeting with Belgium.

Pochettino commended his players for their maturity and progress throughout the tournament.

"It's difficult to describe our feeling because they were amazing, and there is no easy game in the World Cup," Pochettino said. "I think the maturity of the team is amazing in the way that we have grown over the last five or six weeks."

Forward Folarin Balogun, who scored his third goal of the tournament just before halftime, was sent off after receiving a red card for stepping on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic's ankle. The dismissal means Balogun will miss the Round of 16 match against Belgium.

Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez supported the decision, which was upheld following a VAR review, but Pochettino strongly disagreed.

"Never was this a red card. Watching it on TV, there was never any intention to step on the player," Pochettino said. "That was a normal action in football. It happened by accident and was never intentional. For me, it was never a red card."

Pochettino said Balogun was disappointed by the decision but remained pleased that the team had advanced.

"He needs to understand that this type of situation happens," Pochettino said. "I hope he will be able to help us again. I hope that we go to the next round."

The victory also made Pochettino the first U.S. men's national team coach to win three FIFA World Cup matches.

After Balogun gave the Americans the lead before halftime, Malik Tillman sealed the victory with a free kick following Balogun's dismissal.

"It was amazing. Malik is an amazing player, full of talent," Pochettino said. "We knew he had the ability to take that free kick and do what he did. I'm so happy for him." -Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters