How Malik Tillman's bloody right foot helped USMNT reach World Cup round of 16

[ASFN Admin]

Malik Tillman provided the U.S. men's national team — and its fans — the opportunity to exhale when his 82nd-minute free kick found the back of the net as 10-man U.S. beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0, securing its place in the round of 16.

When Tillman stepped up to his late free kick, his right foot was bloodied — cut from getting stepped on earlier in the game. That right foot had no problem curling his shot over the wall and past Bosnia goalie Nikola Vasilj.

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"I was in pain, but my shoe was cut, so this is why I changed it," Tillman said postgame, sporting a blood-soaked sock. "Yeah, someone stepped on it. It's just pain, I guess. Feeling better now."

Tillman was a standout performer once again for the Americans during this World Cup. His all-around game and strong rapport with Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie have really given the U.S. an eye-pleasing dynamic.

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

Up next, Belgium on Monday, July 6 in Seattle.

USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How Malik Tillman's bloody right foot helped USMNT reach World Cup round of 16

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