SANTA CLARA, California : The United States reached the World Cup last 16 with a gritty 2-0 victory over Bosnia on Wednesday despite playing more than half the match with 10 men after goalscorer Folarin Balogun was sent off.
The co-hosts ended a 24-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage victory and snapped a run of 10 consecutive defeats against European opposition to set up a last-16 meeting with Belgium in Seattle on Monday.
Balogun gave the United States the lead just before halftime with his third goal of the tournament before being shown a straight red card early in the second half for a serious foul on Tarik Muharemovic.
Malik Tillman sealed victory with a late free kick as the home crowd celebrated a determined defensive display after the dismissal.
“I felt we put on such a good performance and didn’t deserve the red card,” captain Christian Pulisic said.
“But for us to dig in deep like that and just to get another goal and to defend the way we did, it took a real team effort, but we’re proud of that.”
The hosts dominated much of a physical contest in front of a partisan crowd dressed in red, white and blue, although fortune did not always favour them as both Balogun and Pulisic had goals ruled out.
Balogun had looked dangerous throughout the opening period before reacting quickest to a loose ball to put the Americans ahead.
His evening took a dramatic turn after the interval when he was dismissed for a challenge on Muharemovic that appeared accidental.
Bosnia, playing in the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time, created few clear opportunities despite enjoying a numerical advantage for much of the second half.
Their best early chance fell to veteran striker Edin Dzeko, whose effort was saved by goalkeeper Matt Freese.
The match began with a flypast by fighter jets as a vocal home crowd generated a patriotic atmosphere, roaring on the hosts from kickoff.
The United States responded with an energetic display built around quick passing and attacking intent, with Pulisic providing a constant threat.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino defended Balogun after the match, saying the striker had not intended to injure his opponent.
“The team showed the qualities, the capacity to compete, to fight for each other,” Pochettino said.
“Yes, I am so proud, so proud about the players. They are the heroes.”
Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez admitted his side had not created enough chances but praised his players for exceeding expectations.
“We should hold our heads up high and we can really improve and build on this,” he said.
