The United States reached the World Cup last 16 with a 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the victory was overshadowed by Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card, ruling him out of their Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
USA THROUGH — BUT BALOGUN RED CARD BITES
The United States are in the last 16. But the celebrations came with a sting.
Goals from Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman secured a 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, booking a Round of 16 tie against Belgium — the second time the USA have reached this stage on home soil since 1994, per match reports.
Balogun broke the deadlock on the stroke of half time, slotting home coolly after a deflected through ball from Weston McKennie. Tillman then hammered home a ferocious free kick to double the lead before Bosnia pulled one back late.
But the night’s defining moment came when Balogun accidentally caught Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle while shielding the ball. A VAR review followed — and a straight red card ended the striker’s evening and begins a suspension.
The USA dominated large spells, with Antonee Robinson and McKennie linking well down the left, while Christian Pulisic created plenty of half-chances. Bosnia’s all-time record scorer Edin Dzeko also limped off with injury, shifting momentum further toward the co-hosts.
McKennie, Pulisic and Robinson were the standout performers as Pochettino’s side controlled proceedings for long stretches.
The Americans will face Belgium in the last 16, a side that came from behind to beat Senegal 3-2. Balogun will serve his suspension for that fixture.
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