Ten-man US into last 16 after gutsy win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
· Yahoo Sports
The United States claimed a gutsy 2-0 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday with only 10 men on the pitch to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.
Folarin Balogun gave the tournament co-hosts the lead in the 45th minute, but his dreamy match turned into a nightmare when he was sent off in the 64th for a harsh challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic.
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But the opponents couldn't take advantage of their numerical advantage.
Instead, the US, who had two goals ruled out for offside, went on to score a second goal as Malik Tillman chipped a free-kick over the wall and into the net in the 82nd to seal the nation's first win in a World Cup knock-out match since 2002.
"We had to dig deep for that one," US forward Christian Pulisic said.
"It didn't go exactly to plan with the red card, but that just shows what a good team we are. We said in the hydration break, you know, this is what it takes to be a really strong team. And, we were able to do it."
The US will now face Belgium, who earlier produced a remarkable late comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra-time.
Title dream still alive
Bosnia and Herzegovina had a promising start when veteran Edin Dzeko smashed the ball goalwards in the 10th minute, but was denied by goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Goal chances were scarce, but the US found the net in the 31st - only for Balogun's effort to be ruled out for offside.
It counted, however, when the striker was again on target in the 45th and helped by the opponents.
Stjepan Radeljić tried to intercept Tillman's pass, but only touched the ball, which deflected on Tarik Muharemović before falling in the middle of the area for Balogun, who tucked a low shot into the net.
Before the break, Balogun hit the crossbar from close range.
That good opportunity and the support from the fans created an exciting atmosphere for the second half. But things took an unexpected turn when Balogun saw a red card.
Muharemovic got caught on the back of the ankle in a challenge by Balogun, who was then sent off after video review.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, however, couldn't find a reaction despite having the numerical advantage and needing just one goal.
The US, meanwhile, kept going and had another goal ruled out in the 79th, this time with Christian Pulisic in offside position.
But the stadium burst into celebrations when Tillman's free-kick found the back of the net as the US remain alive in the bid for their first-ever men's world title.
Bosnia and Herzegovina were making their second World Cup appearance as an independent nation and had reached the knock-out stage for the first time.
After the game, coach Sergej Barbarez was visibly emotional on the pitch and with tears in his eyes.
"We have to admit that we didn't make it. But I told the guys right after the game how proud I am of them," Barbarez said.
"I congratulated them, and I was really proud of their performance. It really moved me." He added he's currently "the proudest coach in the world."