USMNT’s gritty 2-0 win shows another side before Belgium test

The USMNT defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 and moved into the World Cup round of 16. The result mattered, but so did the way the U.S. protected the match after Folarin Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute.

Bosnia-Herzegovina made the game uncomfortable with a physical defensive approach, limiting the rhythm the U.S. had shown earlier in the tournament. Sergiño Dest, Christian Pulisic and Balogun were among the American players who had to deal with heavy pressure, while Tyler Adams was also involved in a bruising moment with Edin Dzeko.

Malik Tillman’s late free kick gave the scoreline breathing room, but the bigger takeaway was tactical resilience. Mauricio Pochettino’s side had to defend in a more compact shape, manage possession less smoothly than usual and choose carefully when to push forward after going down to 10 men.

The next challenge is Belgium in Seattle, and the U.S. is expected to be without Balogun after the dismissal. That raises a tactical question for Pochettino, but this match offered evidence that the team can survive a less polished game and still find a route through.