
After its biggest World Cup win in decades, the U.S. will have to do it all again without its top scorer after Folarin Balogun received a controversial red card. Elsewhere, two European powerhouses in England and Belgium survived major scares to advance. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. There are three more knockout games today. Follow along on the NBC News live blog. Garrincha. Ronaldinho. Zinedine Zidane.
Main Idea: The U.S. men’s national team beat Bosnia-Herzegovina to reach the World Cup round of 16, but it lost Folarin Balogun to a costly red card before facing Belgium next.
Key Points:
Balogun’s red card could hurt US fans and TV interest if the men’s team exits the World Cup earlier than hoped.
The US win can lift national pride and boost attention for soccer, which may help local bars, sports shops, and youth programs.
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
Central player in the article; scores, receives the red card, and drives the main U.S. storyline.
Primary team focus of the article; advances in the World Cup while losing Balogun to suspension.
Major opponent and next-round matchup for the United States.
Prominent player discussed as part of Portugal’s upcoming World Cup match.
Important side mention as a team that advances after a scare.
Named player highlighted for England’s win with a brace.
Prominent player discussed as part of Croatia’s upcoming World Cup match.
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Sign in to commentKey contributor for the U.S. with the late free kick that secured the win.
Featured in the Belgium match recap as the team eliminated after a late comeback.
Mentioned in connection with the U.S. team’s performance, but not the central focus.