USA advance in World Cup despite Balogun red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina
The United States secured their place in the World Cup Round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. The match, played in the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, saw goals from Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman. Despite the win, the US will be without Balogun for their next match against Belgium due to a red card.
Balogun, a former Arsenal player, opened the scoring for the US shortly before half-time, marking his third goal of the tournament. He had other opportunities, with one effort ruled out for offside and another hitting the bar. However, his night ended abruptly just after the hour mark.
Balogun’s Dismissal and its Impact
Balogun was involved in a challenge with Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic for a looping ball. While it initially appeared accidental, a VAR review led Brazilian referee Raphael Claus to issue a straight red card. Replays showed Balogun’s studs making contact with Muharemovic’s calf before catching and turning the defender’s ankle, a challenge deemed reckless.
The sending-off means Balogun will serve an immediate one-game ban, ruling him out of the upcoming match against Belgium in Seattle. There is also a possibility that FIFA officials could extend the ban, potentially sidelining him for a quarter-final or semi-final, should the US progress further in the tournament. There are no appeals in the World Cup.
This incident etched Balogun’s name into the record books as the fourth player to both score and be sent off in a knockout match at a World Cup. Previous instances include Brazil’s Garrincha in the 1962 semi-final, his compatriot Ronaldinho in the 2002 quarter-final, and France’s Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 final.
In Balogun’s absence, Ricardo Pepi is the player most likely to step into the starting lineup. Pepi, a long-time target for Fulham, has not scored in his minutes on the pitch during this tournament or in the four friendly games preceding it. His last international goal came in a Nations League game in November 2024.
Team Response and Next Steps
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Mauricio Pochettino’s side maintained control of the game and even managed to score a second goal. Tillman secured the 2-0 victory in the 80th minute with a superb free-kick from just outside the box, which beat the outstretched hands of Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
US defender Chris Richards stated that the team is fully supporting Balogun. He emphasised the collective strength of the squad, highlighting that they are a team of 26 players, not just one. Richards expressed confidence that whoever steps in for Balogun will perform just as effectively.
Pochettino echoed this sentiment, noting that the red card galvanised the team. He observed that the players’ determination to fight was evident, and he believes they are creating a legacy with their fans. The coach had previously posed the question, “Why not us?” in March, regarding the US’s chances of winning their first World Cup on home soil, a sentiment that has become a battle cry for the squad.
Former England forward Sue Smith commented that the red card seemed to strengthen the US team, showcasing their professional defensive capabilities. She noted that Bosnia struggled to create clear chances even with the numerical advantage, and the win was well-deserved for the US. Smith suggested that the US has surprised many with their performance so far and will provide a significant challenge for Belgium.
The US also managed to secure their second clean sheet of the tournament, which is a positive sign for their defensive solidity. They emerged from the match without any new injury concerns, providing a boost as they prepare to face Belgium, a team that has yet to fully convince in the tournament.
The US will now face Belgium in Seattle on Monday evening.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Amelia Stockwell is a Sports Reporter at News GB. She covered two Commonwealth Games for a national outlet. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of York and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in York, she runs with a local club and follows county cricket. “The quiet stories often matter most by the end of the season.”
