USA men’s team has historic win in knockout round of World Cup despite being one man down

Just before Americans celebrate the Fourth of July on the nation’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Men’s National Team triumphed this week in a World Cup knockout round match — the first such win for the team since 2002 — despite being down a player for much of the second half. 

The July 1 match versus Bosnia-Herzegovina was held at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and was attended by more than 68,000 people, according to U.S. Soccer.

For the  first 15 minutes of the game, the U.S. team had 78% possession of the ball, according to the outlet. However, with an even 0-0 score through most of the first half, it remained to be seen who would be the victor. 

Just at the 45th minute, striker Folarin Balogun scored the first goal for the U.S. team, sending teammates and fans into celebration. 

Bosnia’s team worked to even the score, taking a number of shots on goal, but USA goalkeeper Matt Freese and the defensive players ensured nothing made it through. 

However, in the second half, at about the 64th minute of the game and with the score still 1-0, a controversial red card was issued against Balogun — removing him from the game, and forcing the U.S. team to play with just 10 players versus Bosnia’s 11 for the remainder of the match. 

The game-changing moment occurred when Balogun — evidently by accident — stepped on the ankle of a Bosnia player, who fell to the ground. According to U.S. Soccer, the play was not initially called a foul, but after a review, one of the referees gave Balogun a red card, sending him out of the game. A number of commentators expressed disagreement with the call, commenting that a yellow card may have been more accurate for what had transpired. 

Nevertheless, the U.S. team suddenly found itself having to defend its lead at a disadvantage for the remainder of the game, which had more than half an hour to go. The World Cup games are 90 minutes long plus usually an additional 5-10 minutes of extra playing time. The 10 players’ undertaking required strong passes, focus, and defense. 

Surrounded by thousands of fans donned in patriotic colors, the team rose to the challenge, defending its box from all shots on goal from Bosnia. 

Another turning point came at the 82nd minute, when a foul was called on Bosnia and Herzegovina just outside the penalty box, giving the U.S. a free kick. 

Malik Tillman, 24, stepped up to take the kick, facing a wall of opponents blocking a straightforward shot on goal. 

In a moment of stunning precision, Tillman took the shot, which arched over the opponents and just out of reach of the goalie, flying into the top corner of the goal. 

The team celebrated once again to the cheers of thousands; and then, emboldened by their success, they proceeded to defend their 2-point lead through the rest of the match. 

After the final whistle was heard, celebrations began again, as U.S. fans breathed a sigh of relief now that the tight match had concluded. The stadium began to sing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” while the players took in their historic achievement from the field.

The U.S. team’s head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, joined them on the field and could be seen singing along. 

Several prayers were also offered after the win, including during a special moment when the whole U.S. team came together. 

The victory puts the U.S. into the next phase of knockout rounds. Because of the red card, Balogun also cannot play in the next game, which the U.S. will play July 6 in Seattle, facing Belgium.