Watch Malik Tillman seal short-handed USMNT victory with late free kick vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Watch Malik Tillman seal short-handed USMNT victory with late free kick vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The USMNT is on to the Round of 16, having set aside Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0. Malik Tillman played a major role in the spectacle, tallying one goal and setting up another as Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
A dual-national who previously turned out for Germany’s youth sides, Tillman has swiftly emerged as one of the Americans’ finest players. He made his role on the roster abundantly clear with a game-sealing goal on Wednesday night, cementing his place into USMNT lore in the process.
Here’s what you need to know about Tillman’s game-clinching finish that punched the USMNT’s ticket into the Round of 16.
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Malik Tillman game-sealing goal
Tillman sent the Levi’s Stadium faithful into raptures with his 82nd minute strike, a finish that confirmed the USMNT’s place into the hat for the Round of 16.
The Americans faced little pressure from the Bosnians in the opening 60 minutes, opening up a 1-0 advantage after Folarin Balgoun struck on the cusp of halftime. Tillman was the architect of that strike, playing the through ball that led to Balogun’s goal.
Following Balogun’s premature departure — he was sent off for serious foul play — the Dragons upped their intensity, pushing for an equalizer. Tillman served as a bulwark against that push, finding his target with a curling free kick.
Tillman’s effort flicked over the wall, falling right into the path of Nikola Vasilj. The Bosnian shot-stopper got a hand to the ball but was unable to turn the shot away. The goal represented the fourth of his international career.
MALIK TILLMAN FREE KICK GOLAZO AND THE @USMNT IS UP 2-0 🇺🇸
Advantage doubled even down to 10 men. pic.twitter.com/HskiCro7xD
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 2, 2026
