U.S. secures biggest World Cup win in a generation over Bosnia, faces Belgium without Balogun

The United States beat Bosnia 2-0 at the World Cup with goals from Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman, but must now face Belgium without the star forward.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Blood pooled near Malik Tillman’s toes as he stood over a free kick Wednesday evening.

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The U.S. midfielder’s boot had been stepped on and split open during the World Cup’s round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The puncture left a hole in his sock between his big and middle toes, where a red stain formed.

But the 82nd minute of a knockout game, with the U.S. clinging to a 1-0 lead and down to 10 men after a controversial red card sent off scoring star Folarin Balogun, was not the time for Tillman to focus on the pain.