SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The U.S. men’s national team clinched a spot in the Round of 16 on Wednesday night as they defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in Santa Clara despite losing their top goal scorer in the second half.
The victory was the U.S. men’s team’s first World Cup knockout win in 24 years.
Folarin Balogun scored the game-winning goal for the Americans, but was sent off in the 64th minute after he collided with Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic just inside the U.S. attacking third. Official Raphael Claus of Brazil showed Balogun a red card, resulting in his ejection and suspension for the next match.
“We had to dig deep for that one,” U.S. midfielder Christan Pulisic said. “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.”
Malik Tillman followed up Balogun’s goal with a free kick in the 82nd minute, padding the U.S. lead.
The U.S. cannot appeal that red card, according to FIFA officials.
“One man’s down, the next guy steps up,” defender Chris Richard said. “I think people were asking the same question when Christian went down, and the next guy stepped up. So, we’re definitely a team. We’re more than just one player.”
The Americans also ended a 10-game losing streak against European opposition. Next up for the U.S. is Belgium, who knocked them out of the 2014 World Cup in the Round of 16.
