“Soccer Party” Continues for Team USA
Malik Tillman’s incredible free-kick ensured victory for the USA. © IMAGO/Crystal Pix/IMAGO/DC Photos
With the USA, the third host nation enters the round of 16. Despite being reduced to ten players, head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s team decisively overcame Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The “Soccer Party” can continue: The US national soccer team has qualified for the knockout stage of the World Cup on home soil. The dominant squad under coach Mauricio Pochettino defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 (1-0) and will face Belgium in Seattle next Monday.
However, the USA will have to do without scorer Folarin Balogun (45th minute), who was sent off for serious foul play (64th minute). The victory was secured by Malik Tillman of Bayer Leverkusen with a stunning free-kick (82nd minute).
Red Card After Unintentional Tackle
The ever-daunting Balogun had utilized the first real opportunity for the Americans just before half-time, having also hit the crossbar (45+8). A goal was ruled offside (31). However, following an unintentional kick against Tarik Muharemovic, referee Raphael Claus from Brazil dismissed him for serious foul play. Bosnia’s Edin Dzeko had previously left the pitch injured (51).
Even without their captain, Bosnia increased their pressure after the sending-off. The substitute “Milwaukee Messi,” Esmir Bajraktarevic, born in Wisconsin, posed a threat. However, the Americans fought back vigorously, continually puncturing Bosnia’s defense until Tillman sealed the deal with his free-kick.
“There are no second chances.”
Before the match, Pochettino emphasized his team would approach the game like “the World Cup final; it’s about everything, there are no second chances.” The 2-3 loss in the group stage against Turkey? “A bit insignificant.” Thus, his team returned in full strength, dominating the contest.
In the stadium of the San Francisco 49ers, Christian Pulisic, who had previously only played 77 minutes during this tournament, was back in the starting lineup and immediately became a source of constant threat. The USA controlled the game, constantly ramping up the pace, demonstrating excellent teamwork, and persistently challenging the Bosnian defense.
Disciplined Bosnian Defense
Aside from Balogun’s offside goal, the Americans struggled to break through early on. The Bosnians, the last European team the USA had beaten in December 2021, exhibited disciplined defense until shortly before half-time: A mishit tackle from Stjepan Radeljic landed at Balogun’s feet, who converted the chance coldly—this time counted. Shortly after, the 24-year-old struck the crossbar.
As for Bosnia, they only had one noteworthy chance: Ermedin Demirovic from VfB Stuttgart tested goalkeeper Matt Freese with a powerful shot (10). Bosnia had only qualified for the World Cup after a playoff match against Italy (4:1 on penalties), finishing third in their group behind Switzerland and Canada.
