USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina clash in knockout stage
The USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) are currently competing in a World Cup 2026 last 32 match. The game has seen moments of intense play and tactical adjustments from both sides. Early in the match, the USA’s defense reportedly switched off on a goal kick, an error that could have been costly as there is no offside on goal kicks. However, the quality of play, particularly from Balogun, has been noted, with him successfully converting a shot after a scramble.
In the 45th minute +7, Balogun nearly scored, hitting the top of the bar after Adams found Dest, who headed the ball down. Balogun managed to get past a defender to attempt a flick into the net. Earlier, in the 45th minute +10, Alajbegović was down after a collision with Adams but continued to play. The referee’s performance has been a point of contention, with one observer noting a free kick was given for a light hold on Dest, and another instance where Pulisic was pulled and held along the sideline without a card being issued.
Second half sees tactical shifts and injuries
As the second half progressed, BIH made tactical changes, including substitutions. Džeko, a significant figure for BIH, left the field due to a non-contact leg injury in the 49th minute. He was replaced by Mahmić, Šunjić, and Tahirovic, while US-born Bajraktarević and Gigovic also entered the game. BIH attempted to exploit the US defense with a high press, leading to suggestions that the USA might need to introduce a defender or have Robinson play further back.
In the 55th minute, BIH gained possession closer to the goal after US defenders misjudged a long ball in the wind. However, Katić blasted the ball over the bar from 35 yards, relieving the USA. The USA then entered a period of sustained possession in the BIH half, a reversal of the first half where BIH dominated possession. This pressure was eventually broken after a missed BIH connection, with Ream playing a role.
The match also saw a yellow card issued to Sergej Barbarez in the 79th minute for picking up the ball in frustration, resulting in a free kick for the USA. In the 81st minute, Radeljić received a yellow card for a hold on Dest, leading to a free kick for the USA from approximately 20 yards. The game has been marked by a lack of pressing from the USA at times, with them playing in a 4-4-1 formation. Wisconsin’s Bajraktarević had a shot saved by Freese in the 67th minute, though it was not from a dangerous angle. An international feed indicated that BIH had only one shot on target, a statistic that was disputed by some, who believed a saved corner kick should have been counted.
Other World Cup 2026 knockout matches
Meanwhile, other knockout stage matches in the World Cup 2026 have delivered significant drama. England secured a 2-1 victory against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with captain Harry Kane scoring two late goals to avoid a major upset. The Congolese had taken an early lead in the seventh minute through Brian Cipenga.
Belgium also staged a remarkable comeback against Senegal, winning 3-2 after trailing by two goals with only minutes remaining. Senegal had established a lead with goals from Habib Diarra in the 25th minute and Ismaïla Sarr in the 51st minute. Belgium’s comeback began with a goal from Romelu Lukaku, followed by an equalizer from Youri Tielemans. Tielemans then scored the winning goal from a penalty in extra time, after a foul by Lamine Camara was identified by the video assistant referee.
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Source: theguardian.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter