The United States men's national soccer team advanced to the World Cup round of 16 after defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 on Wednesday night at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Folarin Balogun scored in the first half to put the Americans ahead before receiving a red card in the 64th minute for a foul against Tarik Muharemovic.
Despite playing down a man, Malik Tillman secured the victory for the 10-man squad with an 82nd-minute free kick that deflected off goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
The victory marks only the second time the United States has won a World Cup knockout round match since the tournament expanded, following their 2002 round of 16 victory against Mexico.
The win sets up a round of 16 matchup against Belgium on Monday in Seattle.
Prior to the match, thousands of fans lined up outside the venue, which is known as San Francisco Bay Area Stadium for the tournament, including many travelers from Southern California.
"Oh man, it's a huge deal. I've been waiting for this and I couldn't sleep last night," said Alex Ruiz, a Northridge native.
Supporters expressed excitement over the rare opportunity to witness the national team compete in elimination matches hosted on domestic soil.
"This is incredible. How many opportunities we have in our lifetime to come to matches here in the U.
S. so we had to bring the kids," said Abi Ireland, a Beaumont resident.
High demand for the round-of-32 fixture drove ticket prices well above standard rates for the tournament.
"Yeah, pretty much a small car, left foot, yeah, a kidney," said Reuben Valles, a West Hills resident.
The U. S.
team entered the knockout stage after collecting six points and scoring eight goals during group play, according to ABC7 and ESPN reports.
Christian Pulisic returned to the starting lineup for the match after recovering from a calf injury.
Ahead of the knockout match on Tuesday, U. S.
head coach Mauricio Pochettino addressed reporters regarding his previous interactions with the media following a 3-2 group-stage loss to Turkey.
"I want to apologize to the guys that were in my last press conference," said Mauricio Pochettino, U.
S. head coach.
The manager expressed regret over his demeanor during the post-match briefing that took place last week.
"I was so frustrated. I was disappointed.
I thank you and am sorry. It was my problem, not your problem.
I was upset after the defeat," said Pochettino.
Pochettino had previously questioned reporters for focusing on the single defeat rather than the team's overall success in winning their group.
"For you not say congratulations that we won the group, that is a little bit sad," said Pochettino.
