Malik Tillman's heroics helped the USMNT survive Folarin Balogun's red card and make World Cup history

Malik Tillman’s standout free kick helped the U.S. men’s national team survive Folarin Balogun’s red card and reach World Cup knockout history against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The match in Santa Clara, California ended 2-0, and Tillman scored in the 82nd minute after a Bosnian foul earned the U.S. a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. His initial shoe had been broken when he was stepped on, but a replacement cleat was provided from the sideline, and Tillman converted the opportunity. The U.S. had played a man down earlier, then pushed for their first men’s World Cup knockout win in 24 years. The second U.S. goal was clinched through the free-kick moment, creating a new narrative chapter that began in the 1994 Bay Area meeting. Next, the Americans face Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday in Seattle.