United States beats Bosnia to reach World Cup last 16

The United States reached the World Cup last 16 with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, Reuters reported, holding on after Folarin Balogun was sent off. The result ended a 24-year wait for a U.S. knockout-stage victory and set up a meeting with Belgium in Seattle.

Balogun scored near halftime in Wednesday’s round-of-32 match in the San Francisco Bay Area, according to Reuters. After the break, he was dismissed for a serious foul on Tarik Muharemovic, leaving the U.S. to protect its lead with 10 players.

Reuters reported that the incident appeared to have been accidental. The match had already been physical, with the U.S. seeing two goals disallowed before Malik Tillman secured the win late on.

Tillman made it 2-0 eight minutes from time with a free kick, Reuters said. His goal gave the Americans breathing room after Bosnia had a man advantage for much of the second half.

The U.S. started quickly, pressing Bosnia’s area with repeated attacks as a partisan crowd backed the home side, according to Reuters. Christian Pulisic returned to the team and was involved as the Americans played at pace, while Balogun remained a threat before his red card.

Weston McKennie and Tillman also produced strong performances, Reuters reported. The U.S. had to absorb setbacks during the match, including disallowed goals for both Pulisic and Balogun.

The win also broke a run of 10 straight U.S. defeats against European opponents, according to Reuters. For a team carrying home expectations, the result kept alive hopes of a longer run in the tournament.

Belgium will be the next opponent after coming from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time, Reuters reported. That last-16 match is scheduled to be played in Seattle.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.