The USMNT Has Won Their First Knockout Game In 24 Years
A World Cup run can change fast, and the United States has given its fans plenty to believe in. After finishing on top of Group D with six points, the Americans carried that momentum into the knockout stage and earned a 2 to 0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina to punch their ticket to the Round of 16.
Mauricio Pochettino's squad opened the tournament with a 4 to 1 victory over Paraguay before defeating Australia 2 to 0 to lock up first place in the group. With qualification already secured, the United States rotated much of its lineup in the final group match and fell 3 to 2 against Turkey after conceding a goal in stoppage time. That result did little to slow the team's progress once the knockout rounds began.
The Round of 32 brought another challenge when Folarin Balogun was shown a red card, leaving the United States to finish the match with 10 players. Before being sent off, Balogun gave the Americans the lead just before halftime. Malik Tillman added the second goal later in the match with a free kick that sealed a convincing 2 to 0 victory despite the numerical disadvantage.
The reward is a Round of 16 showdown with Belgium on Monday, July 6, in Seattle with a place in the quarterfinals at stake. The United States will have to face that challenge without Balogun, who is suspended following his red card, making the next test even tougher. That is what makes knockout soccer so much fun. Every game asks a different question.
