USA secure victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina
The United States secured their place in the World Cup Round of 16 following a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. The co-hosts overcame playing with 10 men for part of the second half, maintaining control and adding a second goal despite the numerical disadvantage. This win sets up a match against Belgium in Seattle.
Folarin Balogun, a former Arsenal player, opened the scoring for the USA shortly before half-time, marking his third goal of the tournament. His goal came after an earlier effort was ruled out for offside. However, his night took a turn just after the hour mark when he received a straight red card.
The incident involved a tussle with Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic. As Balogun attempted to shield the ball, his boot landed on the back of Muharemovic’s ankle. While it appeared accidental in real-time, a VAR review led Brazilian referee Raphael Claus to issue the red card. This dismissal means Balogun will miss the upcoming match against Belgium due to an immediate one-game ban, which could potentially be extended by FIFA officials.
Impact of Balogun’s red card
Balogun’s sending-off made him one of the players to both score and be sent off in a knockout match, joining the likes of Brazil‘s Garrincha in the 1962 semi-final, his compatriot Ronaldinho in the 2002 quarter-final, and France‘s Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 final. The immediate one-game ban rules him out of the Belgium match, and there is a possibility of further suspension by FIFA officials, which could see him miss a potential quarter-final and semi-final.
Ricardo Pepi, a player previously linked with Fulham, is considered the most likely to replace Balogun. Pepi has not scored in his minutes played during this tournament or in the four friendly games preceding it. His last international goal came in a Nations League game in November 2024.
USA defender Chris Richards expressed the team’s support for Balogun. He stated that the team of 26 players would rally together and that whoever steps in would perform effectively. Coach Mauricio Pochettino echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team’s fighting spirit after the red card incident.
Team performance and upcoming challenge
Despite the red card, the USA maintained their defensive solidity. Malik Tillman secured the second goal for the USA with a free-kick from outside the box in the 80th minute, beating the Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. Tillman had a strong performance, also contributing to an earlier disallowed goal for Christian Pulisic.
The USA‘s defensive display was praised by coach Pochettino, and they secured a clean sheet in the match. Former England forward Sue Smith noted that the red card seemed to galvanise the USA, showcasing a professional side that positions them well for the match against Belgium. She believes the USA have surprised many with their performance in the tournament so far.
Sergiño Dest also had a notable performance, contributing an assist. The team will now prepare to face Belgium in Seattle on Monday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 01:00 BST on Tuesday.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”