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Balogun scores before red card as USA reach World Cup last 16
Folarin Balogun scored before being sent off as the United States defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to reach the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
Despite playing the final half-hour with 10 men, the tournament co-hosts held firm before Malik Tillman sealed victory with a superb late free-kick, setting up a Round of 16 meeting with Belgium.
Bosnia and Herzegovina started brightly and carved out the better early openings, with Edin Dzeko setting up Ermedin Demirovic for an effort comfortably saved by Matt Freese before the United States goalkeeper dealt with a dangerous inswinging corner from Kerim Alajbegovic.
The hosts gradually took control and thought they had gone ahead when Balogun finished from Weston McKennie's pass, only for the offside flag to cut celebrations short.
The breakthrough eventually arrived on the stroke of half-time.
Tim Ream intercepted a Bosnian goal kick before Tillman slipped a pass into Balogun's path, allowing the striker to calmly slot beyond Nikola Vasilj and hand the United States a deserved lead.
Bosnia looked to respond after the restart, but the contest took another twist in the 64th minute.
Following a VAR review, Balogun was shown a straight red card after catching Tarik Muharemovic with a late challenge, leaving the hosts to negotiate the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Mauricio Pochettino's side absorbed the pressure well, with Freese producing another important save to deny Demirovic as Bosnia searched for an equaliser.
Instead, it was the United States who struck again.
Tillman curled a brilliant free-kick beyond Vasilj in the 82nd minute to put the result beyond doubt and send the home supporters into celebration.
The victory secured only the second World Cup knockout win in United States history and kept alive hopes of a deep run on home soil, although Balogun's suspension leaves Pochettino with a significant selection decision ahead of the meeting with Belgium.





























