Folarin Balogun experienced a dramatic evening in the World Cup’s round of 32. The match against Bosnia-Herzegovina started positively for Balogun. He scored his third goal of the tournament, putting the United States ahead. Unfortunately, his participation was cut short due to a red card issued early in the second half. This means he will miss the upcoming game.
“It’s so unfortunate honestly,” lamented Christian Pulisic, a teammate, after the team’s 2-0 victory. “It just seems so harsh for us to get that. He’s done so much for us, and now we got his back. If he has to miss the next game, it’s just ridiculous for something like that.” Balogun’s initial goal celebration mirrored The Silencer move made famous by NBA star LeBron James. His first scoring attempt was declared offside, but his successful goal boosted the team.
The Brazilian referee Raphael Claus issued the red card following a video review. Balogun was penalized for stepping on the ankle of Tarik Muharemovic. “It never was intentional,” stated U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino. “It’s never a red card. Never… If the intention is to damage the opponent, OK, I understand. But that never was. It was a normal action in football that you are fighting for the ball and your feet land.”
Balogun became only the third player in World Cup history to score and be sent off in a knockout game. This achievement places him alongside Brazil’s Ronaldinho in 2002 and France’s Zinedine Zidane in 2006. Teammate Chris Richards noted, “Pretty cool record, huh.” The one-game suspension means the U.S. team might rely on Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright in their next game against Belgium.
Teammate Weston McKennie criticized the lack of an appeal process, labeling it as “bogus.” He commented, “Obviously the ref made a decision that he made, but I think it’s questionable.” Balogun, despite the setback, came back to celebrate with his team and shook hands with the officials post-match.
The U.S. team now faces the decision of selecting either Pepi or Wright for the next match. Wright expressed readiness and support for the team, saying, “It’s a tough decision to make. In the heat of the moment I think the stills look worse than it did live. But I’m always ready and prepared to do my best for the team.” The decision will be crucial as the team prepares for the round of 16.
Balogun’s goal was initiated by Malik Tillman’s pass, which deflected off Bosnia’s Stjepan Radeljic. This created an opportunity that Balogun seized with precision. His strike added another international goal to his record, reinforcing his reputation as a reliability in scoring. Balogun equaled Landon Donovan’s 2010 record of goals in a World Cup, becoming second only to Bert Patenaude’s record of four in 1930.
The U.S. team continues their World Cup journey with their eyes set on advancing further, bolstered by the efforts and spirit of players like Balogun, even amidst setbacks.