Malik Tillman's magnificently placed free-kick from the edge of the box sealed a gritty 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, propelling the co-hosts into the World Cup last 16. The victory was overshadowed by a controversial red card to Folarin Balogun, but the USA showed steely resolve to secure their first knockout win since 2002.
Match Overview
The USA had their hands on their heads as Weston McKennie's face betrayed total disbelief and Mauricio Pochettino waved his hands skyward, incredulous. Balogun had been sent off after a seemingly innocent collision with Bosnia and Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemovic, landing a foot on his opponent's ankle. The temperature soared at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, and it wouldn't fall until Tillman had his say.
"So proud of all my players," Pochettino said after the game.
A Historic Win
This win vaults the US men's team into a different conversation entirely, one not dusted off since 2002, when Bruce Arena's squad made the quarter-finals. Exactly 12 years to the day since the USA lost in extra time to Belgium at the 2014 World Cup, the Americans have set up another date with the Red Devils. They will face them on Monday in Seattle, Washington.
"We had to dig deep for that one," Christian Pulisic said after the match. "It didn't go exactly to plan with the red card, but that just shows what a good team we are. We said in the hydration break, you know, this is what it takes to be a really strong team. And we were able to do it."
First Half Action
A sold-out, pro-US crowd cheered loudly, greeted with bright moments but no early goal. In the fourth minute, Pulisic mirrored his early danger against Paraguay, cutting inside from the left and rifling a shot blocked by Stjepan Radeljic. Bosnia and Herzegovina forced an awkward save from Matt Freese 10 minutes in, and when Kerim Alajbegovic attempted an Olimpico, Freese had to stretch to keep it out.
Balogun thought he had found the breakthrough after 32 minutes, finishing from McKennie's setup, but the goal was called back for offside. The breakthrough came just before halftime: Tim Ream's first-time knock to McKennie, who played a dummy to Tillman. The ball deflected and got caught under Muharemovic's foot, but Balogun adjusted to finish. This time, it counted.
Second Half Drama
Balogun could have had a second soon after, but his header from Dest's cross kissed the top of the crossbar. The US defense thought they had a reprieve when Edin Dzeko was forced off with an injury after 50 minutes, but bigger problems loomed. In the 64th minute, Balogun and Muharemovic collided, and the referee sent off Balogun after a video review.
From there, it was all hands on deck for the US defense, with Bosnia and Herzegovina showing more verve. But the US never stopped pressuring, and Dest earned a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area. Tillman stepped up and hit a beautiful dipping effort over the wall and under the crossbar, giving his team palpable relief.
Looking Ahead
Belgium will be the fourth opponent out of five at this World Cup whom the US have played in a friendly within the last year. That previous match-up leaves little room for confidence – a 5-2 loss involving many of the same players. But after this hard-earned win, there is the sense that these players could go as far as they want.
