New Delhi: The United States booked their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup with a historic 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, ending a 24 year wait for a knockout stage win despite playing the closing stages with ten men.
Folarin Balogun gave the hosts the lead just before half time, finishing calmly after a swift attacking move sparked celebrations among the home supporters. However, the striker’s evening took a dramatic turn when he was sent off in the second half following a VAR review for an incident involving Tarik Muharemovic.
Reduced to ten players, the Americans showed resilience before Malik Tillman sealed the result with a superb late free kick. The victory marked the country’s first World Cup knockout win since its famous triumph over Mexico in 2002 and set up a last 16 clash with Belgium in Seattle.
Belgium also advanced after producing one of the comebacks of the tournament to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time. The Africans looked set for victory after goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr gave them a two goal advantage.
However, Belgium responded dramatically in the closing minutes as Romelu Lukaku pulled one back before Youri Tielemans equalised to force extra time. Tielemans then completed the remarkable turnaround by converting a penalty in the 125th minute to send Belgium through to the next round.
Meanwhile, England survived a major scare against DR Congo as captain Harry Kane inspired a 2-1 comeback victory. Trailing until the closing stages, England were rescued by two goals from their skipper, including a sensational solo effort in the 86th minute that is already being hailed as one of the goals of the tournament.
Kane’s brilliant strike not only secured England’s passage into the Round of 16 but also took his World Cup tally to 13 goals, moving him ahead of football legend Pelé on the competition’s all time scoring charts.
England will now face Mexico, while the United States and Belgium prepare for a high profile last 16 showdown.
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