The U.S. men’s national soccer team defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California, advancing to the World Cup Round of 16, Fox News Digital reported.
The victory was the second knockout-stage win in U.S. history, Fox News said. The team will return to Seattle to face Belgium in the Round of 16, after Belgium rallied to beat Senegal in extra time, Fox News reported.
Folarin Balogun opened the scoring in stoppage time of the first half with a low shot that slid through the goalkeeper’s legs, Fox News reported. An earlier Balogun strike in the 29th minute was overturned for offside after a sideline official flagged the play, and replay showed Balogun was offside, the outlet said.
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute after a VAR review determined he stepped on a defender’s ankle, Fox News reported. FOX Sports color commentator Stu Holden said during the broadcast the U.S. had to “suffer” to protect the lead after the red card, according to Fox News.
Christian Pulisic had a goal ruled out for offside, and Bosnia’s Stjepan Radeljic was booked for holding Sergiño Dest outside the box, Fox News reported. Malik Tillman converted the resulting 80th-minute free kick, curling the ball over the wall and past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 and seal the victory, Fox News said. Balogun will miss the U.S. next match because of the red card, the outlet reported.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
