The United States men’s national team survived a wild, momentum-swinging knockout clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina, winning 2-0 to secure a place in the World Cup round of 16. Folarin Balogun’s early strike appeared to set up a routine night, but his second-half red card turned the match into a test of resilience that Malik Tillman ultimately decided with a moment of brilliance.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino (7) set his team up to attack primarily down the right, toggling between a 4-2-3-1 and a 3-5-2. The plan worked until Balogun’s dismissal forced the U.S. to abandon control and embrace suffering without the ball. Pochettino’s in-game adjustments, leaning on counters and set pieces, proved decisive.

Goalkeeper Matt Freese (6) had little to do before the red card, but responded well when Bosnia pushed, punching away a dangerous effort from Ermedin Demirovic and clawing out a dipping corner.

In defense, Alex Freeman (6) stayed conservative, tucking in when the shape shifted and later combining with Sergiño Dest to shut down Bosnia’s right-sided attacks. Chris Richards (6) grew in importance as the U.S. protected its lead, highlighted by a crucial late block that denied a potential lifeline. Tim Ream (7) was the calming presence at the back, spraying long passes and reacting quickest to a poor Bosnian goal kick to start the move for Balogun’s opener.

Antonee Robinson (6) became more influential as play tilted left, then locked in defensively once the U.S. went down to 10 men.

In midfield, Tyler Adams (7) orchestrated the tempo, constantly offering a reset option against Bosnia’s low block and flicking cleverly to Tillman in the buildup to the first goal. Tillman (8) was the standout, knitting attacks together, assisting Balogun’s opener and later curling in a superb free kick to seal the result while also helping shield the back line.

Further forward, Dest (6) provided thrust from the right and nearly created a second goal with a first-half header. Weston McKennie (7) was everywhere, linking play early and then digging in defensively after the red card. Christian Pulisic (6) had a quieter attacking night but worked tirelessly to slow Bosnian advances on the left.

Balogun (4) embodied the drama: a disallowed goal, a well-taken opener, then a reckless challenge on Tarik Muharemovic that left his teammates a man down.

Late substitutes Sebastian Berhalter, Ricardo Pepi and Gio Reyna helped close out a statement win that sends the U.S. into the round of 16 with renewed belief and a new hero in Tillman.