U.S. outlasts Bosnia-Herzegovina to advance to the round of 16

By: Andrew Greif

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Down to 10 men after the expulsion of its superstar goal-scorer, U.S. men’s soccer earned its most important win in a generation Wednesday 2-0 over Bosnia-Herzegovina. It was the Americans’ first win in a World Cup knockout game since 2002.

The result moves the U.S. into the round of 16, where it will face Belgium in Seattle on Monday. Belgium also won in the round of 32 on Wednesday behind an improbable comeback over Senegal.

Malik Tillman provided breathing room for the U.S. with his goal in the 82nd minute that created the final margin. Tillman’s free kick curved over the heads of a wall of Bosnian players, aimed at the near post, where it deflected off the outstretched glove of the Bosnian goalkeeper before it hit the net to the delirious cheers of the crowd at Levi’s Stadium.

The win came at a cost, however.

Folarin Balogun scored his third goal of this World Cup in the 45th minute to at last break the deadlock after repeated U.S. chances to score fell short or sailed wide. But after halftime, Balogun was given a red card and sent off after he stepped on the ankle of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemović.

The decision not only left the U.S. down to 10 men, but it will also leave the U.S. without Balogun against Belgium as he serves the one-game suspension a red card triggers.