The United States Men's National Team advanced to the World Cup round of 16 after a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California.
Folarin Balogun scored in the final seconds of the first half, and Malik Tillman added an 82nd-minute free kick to secure the win.
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The Americans set a national record with 10 total goals in the tournament and will face Belgium on Monday in Seattle.
Red Card Controversy
The victory was complicated in the 61st minute when Brazilian referee Raphael Claus issued a straight red card to Balogun after a video review.
Balogun was penalized for stepping on the ankle of Bosnian center back Tarik Muharemovic, reducing the U. S.
to 10 players.
U. S.
coach Mauricio Pochettino strongly disagreed with the decision.
"For me, never is this red card," Pochettino said after the match.
"Watching after on TV, never was it intentional to step up on the player. That was a normal action in football that happened by accident."
During a hydration break, Pochettino rallied his players.
"Now we need to show that we are a team, that we are united," he said.
Pochettino praised the team's maturity and unity under pressure.
"The team showed the qualities, the capacity to compete, to fight for each other. So proud, so proud about the players.
They are the heroes and they deserve all the credit."
