The United States won their second ever knockout round game at the World Cup as they defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina in an interesting encounter in San Francisco.
The tournament co-hosts excelled in a dominant first half which saw Folarin Balogun have a goal chalked off as the US dominated possession and chances. It took until the stroke of half-time before the forward managed to guide his team ahead as the World Cup co-hosts went into the break ahead.
Bosnia made changes for the second half and found a way back into the match as Balogun was dismissed with a straight red card for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. It was perhaps a harsh call, but the US’s talisman had to depart.
With only 10-men, the US weathered a bit of pressure and even had a second goal disallowed before winning a free kick on the edge of the box. Malik Tillman lifted it over the wall and beat the goalkeeper to score a second goal and ease any concerns.
A strong performance from Mauricio Pochettio’s men sends them through to the last-16 and sets up a clash with Belgium.
Follow the reaction from the World Cup clash with our live blog below:
United States pass Bosnia World Cup test – but at what cost?
A puff of the cheeks, a drop of the shoulders and a sumptuous dipper to seal the deal.
It may have been somewhat of a surprise when, eight minutes from time and 20 yards out, Christian Pulisic did not step up to take a free-kick just outside the Bosnia and Herzegovina penalty area.
But US midfielder Tyler Adams made a mockery of such thoughts and, with it, secured American progression to the last-16 of the World Cup 2026. Their World Cup.
United States reach World Cup last-16
Cue the celebrations
Belgium await
Having made a sensational comeback against Senegal to progress 3-2 from the last-32, Belgium will now face the United States in the round of 16.
Usually the European nation would have the edge in such a contest but the Belgians have been scrambling through this tournament while the US are playing well.
It should be a thrilling game when the meet and the US will be confident of getting through it.
Can USA cause problems for Belgium?
Here’s what Sue Smith said on BBC commentary: “I think they will.
“When you look at the players they’ve got, the creative players they have, that midfield area, the energy and intensity they play at… Belgium will have to play better than they did today.”
One rule for Messi, another for Balogun?
US striker Balogun, who scored his side’s opener in the first-half, looked in a state of shock after receiving a red midway through the second-half.
Full-time! USA 2-0 Bosnia
90+10 mins: A fine outing for the United States who cruise through the round of 32 and get the celebrations going.
A fine performance saw them dominate from start to finish with only Balogun’s red card a blip.
USA 2-0 Bosnia
90+5 mins: Five minutes of added time left to play.
There’s been no threat from Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The US are cruising into the next round.
USA 2-0 Bosnia
90+3 mins: USA send the ball out to McKennie on the right and he holds it up to keep possession for the hosts.
There’s a bit of time taken out of the game and the minutes tick by.
Bosnia are heading for the plane.
USA 2-0 Bosnia
90 mins: There’s 10 minutes of stoppage time to play before this match is done.
