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The U.S. booked its ticket to the World Cup’s Round of 16.

‘Merica’s squad beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 Wednesday for their first knockout-stage win in 24 years. Striker Folarin Balogun became the third American to score three goals in a single World Cup before being sent off the pitch when his cleat-to-calf challenge was upgraded from a no-call to a red card by VAR.

With the Stars and Stripes down a star, Malik Tillman curled a free kick via bloodied sock into the back of the net (watch it) to seal the victory that made manager Mauricio Pochettino the winningest U.S. World Cup coach ever.

Balogun will begin serving his one-game red card suspension as the U.S. heads to Seattle for Monday’s match against Belgium, who came back to beat Senegal with a controversial extra time PK.

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
There may be more pressing matters on the world’s stage than the results of the World Cup. But the exaltation and camaraderie radiating from the pitches are also valuable in God’s abundant economy. Joy does not have to be a distraction from spiritual things; in fact, it could be the fruit of the Spirit in us.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:22-25 (CSB) (see full passage)