The United States advanced to the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday (Finnish time).
The result means all three co-host nations – the United States, Canada and Mexico – have reached the last 16 of the tournament.
The United States controlled much of the first half through high pressing and quick attacking play. Folarin Balogun thought he had scored in the 31st minute, but his close-range finish was ruled out for offside.
The breakthrough finally arrived just before halftime. Malik Tillman slipped a pass into the penalty area and, after a slight deflection, the ball fell to Balogun, who calmly slotted home to give the United States a 1-0 lead in the 45th minute.
Balogun nearly doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time. Running onto a headed pass from Sergino Dest, the striker broke into the box but saw his effort hit the crossbar.
Bosnia suffered a blow early in the second half when veteran forward Edin Dzeko was forced off injured in the 51st minute. The 40-year-old's departure further weakened the team's attacking threat.
The United States was reduced to 10 men in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a serious foul.
Despite playing one man down, the United States remained in control. In the 82nd minute, Sergino Dest won a free kick just outside the penalty area, and Tillman fired home to double the lead and seal the victory.
"I practiced it in training, and I am happy it went in," said Tillman. "I have been dreaming about this game, to score a free kick in the World Cup knockout stage. This game showed our character; we always keep fighting."
The victory was only the second knockout-stage win in the U.S.'s World Cup history and also the country's first World Cup knockout victory over a European opponent.
"It's about keeping dreaming. In football, all is possible if you believe," said U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The United States will face Belgium in the round of 16, after the European side came from 2-0 down to defeat Senegal 3-2.
"It's going to be a tough game, but this game today can give us a lot of confidence. Just keep going the same way that we did so far, and I think we are ready for it," Tillman spoke of the upcoming Belgium clash.
Despite the loss, Bosnia defender Nikola Katic said the team's second World Cup appearance was a huge success, as the team had advanced to the knockout round for the first time.
"We are really proud of the way we qualified and the way we represent our country. We stood up well against strong opponents, and we showed our quality, especially against the United States," Katic said.
"If I have to dedicate it to someone special, it would be the children in our country. They can now see new role models and idols for the future, and hopefully more kids will be inspired to work harder, to become professionals, and to represent the biggest clubs in the country one day," Katic added.
- USA
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- WC
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
