Balogun Scores and Sees Red as U.S. Secures Win

[Anchor]

The United States, a co-host of the North and Central American World Cup, has advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina. Forward Folarin Balogun sent the team on an emotional roller coaster by scoring the opening goal before being sent off, but the U.S. managed to clinch its first tournament victory in 24 years.

Reporter Yu Byeongmin has the story.

[Reporter]

The 68,000 home fans in the U.S. were taken on a journey from heaven to hell thanks to forward Folarin Balogun.

In the 31st minute of the first half, Balogun capitalized on a defensive error to find the back of the net, but he was left frustrated after the goal was ruled out for offside.

The disappointment did not last long.

In the 45th minute, a through ball from Malik Tillman deflected off a defender, and Balogun, picking up the ball, calmly fired a left-footed shot to score his third goal of the tournament.

After a decisive shot hit the goalpost during first-half stoppage time, Balogun plunged his team into crisis in the 19th minute of the second half.

While competing for the ball, he stepped on an opposing defender's ankle, and after a VAR review, he was shown a red card.

Balogun became the first player to score a goal and be sent off in a World Cup tournament match since France's Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 final, 20 years ago.

Despite being at a numerical disadvantage, the U.S. sealed the victory in the 37th minute of the second half when Tillman delivered a sublime free-kick that curled just over the defensive wall.

With a 2-0 win, the U.S. secured its first tournament victory in 24 years and advanced to the Round of 16.

The U.S. will now face Belgium for a spot in the quarterfinals.

[Mauricio Pochettino / U.S. National Soccer Team Head Coach: "We respect Belgium (our opponent in the Round of 16), but we believe we can do it. We will win in Seattle and advance to the quarterfinals."]

Following Canada and Mexico, all three host nations have now reached the Round of 16.

(Video Editing: Park Gi-deok)

※