The United States men's national team defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in the World Cup round of 32, earning its first knockout-stage win since 2002. The result sends the U.S. into a round-of-16 meeting with Belgium, but Folarin Balogun will be suspended after receiving a red card.
Balogun put the U.S. ahead just before halftime with his third goal of the tournament. His night changed after the hour mark when referee Raphael Claus reviewed a collision with Tarik Muharemovic and dismissed him for serious foul play.
Despite playing with 10 men, the U.S. protected its lead and then added a second goal in the 82nd minute through Malik Tillman’s free kick. The win was only the program’s second World Cup knockout victory and also ended a long losing run against European opponents.
The red-card decision is likely to remain a major talking point, especially with ESPN noting debate around the VAR process. For the U.S., the bigger immediate question is how the team adjusts its attack against Belgium without its leading scorer available.
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