USA vs Bosnia: The USA defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the World Cup last-32 match. It is a historic win. The USA have advanced past the first knockout stage for the first time since 2002. It is only the second World Cup elimination game victory in American men’s soccer history. The USA will now face Belgium on Monday in Seattle.
Folarin Balogun scored the opening goal in the 45th minute. He found a loose ball and scored past the Bosnian goalkeeper. Malik Tillman added a second goal in the 82nd minute with a curling free kick.
Balogun was shown a red card in the 64th minute. He stepped on a Bosnian player’s ankle while trying to play the ball. The referee reviewed the incident on VAR and decided a red card was necessary. Balogun will be suspended for the next game if the USA advance.
Bosnia made three substitutions early in the second half. Star player Edin Džeko came off with an injury. The Bosnians pushed for a goal but could not break through.
The USA had 81 percent possession in the first half. Bosnia had a scoring chance from a corner but it was saved by goalkeeper Matt Freese. Christian Pulisic had a goal ruled out for offside. The USA also had another goal disallowed earlier in the match.
The win breaks a run of 12 games without a victory over a European side. The USA’s last win over a European team came against Bosnia in December 2021.
Why Was Folarin Balogun Sent Off? The Controversial Red Card in USA vs Bosnia
Folarin Balogun received a red card in the 64th minute of the USA’s World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The referee reviewed the incident on VAR and decided a red card was necessary.
The foul happened when Balogun stepped on a Bosnian player’s ankle while trying to play the ball. Many fans and commentators thought it would be a yellow card at worst. They felt the contact was incidental and not intentional. The call was considered controversial.
A red card means the player is sent off immediately. His team must play with 10 men for the rest of the match. Balogun will also be suspended for the USA’s next game.
Red cards are given for serious offenses. These include dangerous fouls, violent conduct, spitting, biting or denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Balogun’s team can appeal the suspension to FIFA. If successful, he could be available for the next match. This would be important for the USA given his form and goal-scoring in the tournament.
Team USA to face Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16 Clash
The USA will face Belgium in the round of 16. Belgium are ranked 9th in the world. The USA are ranked 17th.
Belgium had a dramatic win over Senegal to reach this stage. They needed two goals in the final five minutes to force extra time. Youri Tielemans scored a late penalty in extra time to win the match.
Belgium have not been at their best this tournament. They have struggled to create chances and have been rigid in possession. They have also found it hard to get Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku involved in games. Their best performance was a 5-1 win over New Zealand.
Leandro Trossard has been Belgium’s best player. He has created 16 chances from open play, more than anyone else at the World Cup. He provided the cross for Tielemans’ late equaliser against Senegal.
Jeremy Doku has been disappointing so far. He is a strong dribbler but has not performed well in the tournament. Romelu Lukaku is still a threat. He is 33 but has scored 92 goals in 130 caps for Belgium.
Belgium are strong from set-pieces. No team has taken more shots from dead-ball situations than them.
Belgium like to control possession and build attacks from the back. They have technical quality in midfield with Tielemans. De Bruyne is given freedom to roam and find dangerous areas. They have struggled against teams that defend deep.
Their link-up play between wingers and full-backs is important. Full-back Maxim De Cuyper has been dangerous getting forward.
Belgium have different attacking options. Coach Rudi Garcia made brave substitutions against Senegal. He brought on Dodi Lukebakio and Romelu Lukaku to change the attack.
The USA might have preferred to face Belgium over Senegal. Senegal looked the better side for large parts of the game. But Belgium have experience and knowhow. They will still be a tough challenge.
FAQs
Q. Who did the USA defeat to reach the World Cup Round of 16?
A. The USA defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0.
Q. Who scored for the USA against Bosnia and Herzegovina?
A. Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman scored for the USA.
Q. Who will the USA play in the World Cup Round of 16?
A. The USA will face Belgium in the Round of 16.
Q. What is the FIFA world ranking of the USA and Belgium?
A. Belgium are ranked ninth in the world, while the USA are ranked 17th.
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