A 10-man United States team (USA) stormed into the next round of the FIFA World Cup after crushing Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 on Wednesday night. This win secured USA’s place in the round of 16 after 24 years to keep alive hopes of a dream American run in the global showpiece.
In a dramatic clash at the San Francisco Bay stadium on Wednesday, Folarin Balogun scored near half-time but was sent off after the break.
Malik Tillman then extended the lead to 2-0 just eight minutes before the match ended with a thunderous free kick.
The match was more physical than expected by fans of both teams, with a politically charged atmosphere as Bosnian fans chanted slogans in support of Palestine.
The US was first denied two goals, and later they were reduced to 10 men with Balogun dismissed for a serious foul on Tarik Muharemovic that appeared accidental.
The Americans burst into the game with a barrage of attacks on the Bosnian area, spurred on by the reverberating roars of “U-S-A” from a partisan crowd that came with high expectations. The team played with speed and intensity, with returning Pulisic eager to make his mark on the game while Balogun, Weston McKennie, and Tillman posed constant threats.
Victory brought an end to the USA’s run of 10 consecutive defeats by European opposition and set up a last-16 tie in Seattle with Belgium, who rallied from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time.
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