USA vs Bosnia LIVE: 10-men US ease into World Cup last-16 despite Folarin Balogun red card
Hopes are high that the USMNT can make a deep run – but Bosnia could pose plenty of problems
The United States won their second ever knockout round game at the World Cup as they defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina in an interesting encounter in San Francisco.
The tournament co-hosts excelled in a dominant first half which saw Folarin Balogun have a goal chalked off as the US dominated possession and chances. It took until the stroke of half-time before the forward managed to guide his team ahead as the World Cup co-hosts went into the break ahead.
Bosnia made changes for the second half and found a way back into the match as Balogun was dismissed with a straight red card for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. It was perhaps a harsh call, but the US’s talisman had to depart.
With only 10-men, the US weathered a bit of pressure and even had a second goal disallowed before winning a free kick on the edge of the box. Malik Tillman lifted it over the wall and beat the goalkeeper to score a second goal and ease any concerns.
A strong performance from Mauricio Pochettio’s men sends them through to the last-16 and sets up a clash with Belgium.
Follow the reaction from the World Cup clash with our live blog below:
Belgium await
Having made a sensational comeback against Senegal to progress 3-2 from the last-32, Belgium will now face the United States in the round of 16.
Usually the European nation would have the edge in such a contest but the Belgians have been scrambling through this tournament while the US are playing well.
It should be a thrilling game when the meet and the US will be confident of getting through it.
Can USA cause problems for Belgium?
Here’s what Sue Smith said on BBC commentary: “I think they will.
“When you look at the players they've got, the creative players they have, that midfield area, the energy and intensity they play at... Belgium will have to play better than they did today.”
One rule for Messi, another for Balogun?
Folarin Balogun was given a controversial red card after a VAR review in USA’s World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
US striker Balogun, who scored his side’s opener in the first-half, looked in a state of shock after receiving a red midway through the second-half.
One rule for Messi, another for Balogun? USA striker sees red at World Cup
Full-time! USA 2-0 Bosnia
90+10 mins: A fine outing for the United States who cruise through the round of 32 and get the celebrations going.
A fine performance saw them dominate from start to finish with only Balogun’s red card a blip.
USA 2-0 Bosnia
90+5 mins: Five minutes of added time left to play.
There’s been no threat from Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The US are cruising into the next round.
USA 2-0 Bosnia
90+3 mins: USA send the ball out to McKennie on the right and he holds it up to keep possession for the hosts.
There’s a bit of time taken out of the game and the minutes tick by.
Bosnia are heading for the plane.
USA 2-0 Bosnia
90 mins: There’s 10 minutes of stoppage time to play before this match is done.
USA 2-0 Bosnia
88 mins: There’s no way back for Bosnia now. Two goals it too big a deficit for them to recover.
The US have put in a professional performance, they’ve taken their chances and limited Bosnia’s threat.
GOAL! USA 2-0 Bosnia (Malik Tillman, 82')
That should be that!
Malik Tillman sets himself for a free kick just outside the box for the US. He lifts it over the wall and places it just outside the goalkeeper’s reach!
USA get their second goal and it’s a big one in the context of this match.
USA 1-0 Bosnia
79 mins: No goal!
McKennie runs into the box and flicks the ball on to Tillman who chests it down and shoots.
The shot is blocked but comes to Pulisic who pokes it slowly into the back of the net.
The celebrations don’t even start this time as the offside flag goes up.
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