Nutshell: Gritty USMNT Defeats B&H. On to the Round of 16.
- Steve Titcomb
- 24 hours ago
- 2 min read
Despite playing 10 vs 11 for 30+ minutes, the USMNT fought like hell to advance to the Round of 16.
The USMNT won its first knockout round game since 2002. Yeah, 2002! This match vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina was gritty and physical and showed the depth of character this team has.
Balogun's Excellence
Folarin Balogun once again made a statement to the world that he is one of the best strikers there is, as he scored once, had a goal called back, and barely missed another goal before that bogus red card had him heading back to the locker room.
Red Card Absurdity
Let’s get right to it and talk about the elephant in the room. VAR has its purpose in the modern game. However, to look back at a play where no penalty was called, nor was there obvious malicious intent, and still give a red card is mind-boggling. Yes, in slow motion it looks awful, but the game doesn’t happen in slow mo and it was very clearly incidental contact. A yellow card at worst.
Tooth and Nail
The rest of the game was a hard-fought victory. Weston McKennie continues to be the MVP of this team as a majority of the offense was created through him setting up plays and making runs. I was surprised how little Christian Pulisic was used on the field. He showed early in the first half that he could carve up that left wing and get by the defenders in front of him, but he had very few touches. Freese in goal was tested for the first time all tournament (he didn’t play against Türkiye). While looking a little shaky at times, he still managed to keep a clean sheet.
The play of the game has to go to Malik Tillman after Sergiño Dest drew a free kick just outside the 18. It was a thing of beauty and on the grandest of all stages. Plus, it allowed me to stop biting my nails, giving the USMNT an insurance goal late in the game.
The biggest takeaway from this game is how aggressive the USMNT remained, even down a man. Bosnia & Herzegovina had some opportunities but didn’t play a large majority of the second half like they had a man advantage. The USMNT continued to push the ball upfield, which ultimately let to their free kick goal.
Midfield FTW
Belgium is next and it will not be an easy game, especially without Balogun up front leading the offense. I have hopes, however, that with the way this midfield has been playing, nothing is impossible before that final whistle.
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