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Folarin Balogun scored and was sent off as the United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 on Wednesday to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.
The win marks the co-hosts’ first World Cup knockout victory in nearly a quarter-century and only their second ever. The US will face Belgium in Seattle on Monday.
Balogun broke the deadlock in the 45th minute, sending the California crowd into delirium. US captain Tim Ream intercepted a Bosnian goal kick and played it to Malik Tillman, whose through ball deflected into the path of Balogun. The striker tucked it under the goalkeeper.
Impressive holding midfielder Tyler Adams nearly set up a second before halftime. He found Sergino Dest, who headed back to Balogun. His shot from the six-yard line clipped the crossbar on its way over.
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Balogun was shown a red card after VAR intervened following a clash with Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic. Despite being reduced to 10 men, the US doubled their lead when Tillman curled in a free kick to secure the win.
Bosnia had early chances. Forty-year-old captain Edin Dzeko held up a pass from his goalkeeper and laid it off for Ermedin Demirovic, whose shot was saved by Matt Freese. Freese made another save moments later from a Kerim Alajbegovic corner.
Balogun had an earlier penalty appeal waved away after a challenge from Amar Dedic. He also had a goal ruled out for offside from Weston McKennie’s pass.
US supporters filled the San Francisco Bay Area stadium, with a pre-match fighter jet flyover held under bright California skies. Some 30 million Americans were expected to watch the match across the nation.
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