The United States secured a victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina, advancing them to a match against Belgium in Seattle. However, the win was overshadowed by a controversial red card shown to striker Folarin Balogun, which could impact the team’s progression in the tournament.
Balogun, a 24-year-old former Arsenal player, scored his third goal of the tournament to open the scoring. Shortly after the hour mark, he was involved in a challenge with Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic. The incident, which appeared accidental in real-time, led to Brazilian referee Raphael Claus being directed to the pitchside monitor by VAR officials. Following the review, Claus issued a straight red card to Balogun.
The sending-off means Balogun will miss the upcoming match against Belgium due to an immediate one-game ban. There is also a possibility that Fifa officials could extend the suspension, potentially ruling him out of future quarter-final and semi-final matches, should the US progress further in the competition. According to Fifa’s disciplinary code, there are no grounds for an appeal against the decision.
Red Card Incident and Player Reaction
The incident occurred during a tussle for a looping ball, where Balogun’s boot landed on the back of Muharemovic’s ankle. Replays, shown in super slow-motion, depicted Balogun’s leg scraping down the calf of the Bosnian defender. Former England forward Sue Smith commented that while the slow-motion replay made it look like a clear red card, in real-time it appeared harsh, suggesting Balogun was merely attempting to shield the ball.
The decision to issue a red card to Balogun has drawn comparisons from fans and pundits to an unpunished challenge by Lionel Messi in Argentina‘s opening match against Algeria. Balogun expressed shock upon receiving the red card.
Despite playing the final 25 minutes with a man disadvantage, the US secured their victory with a free-kick from Malik Tillman. The team’s coach, Mauricio Pochettino, highlighted the squad’s resilience following the incident. “When Balogun received the red card, I thought that is the moment we need to show we are a team and the eyes of the players were [saying], ‘Coach, we are ready to go and fight’ and that is amazing,” Pochettino stated.
Defender Chris Richards affirmed the team’s support for Balogun. “We told him we have got his back,” Richards said. “We are a team of 26, not just one.” He added that while Balogun would be missed for the next game, the team is confident that whoever steps in will perform effectively. Richards believes the situation will ultimately make the team stronger, emphasising their collective spirit.
Impact on the Team and Next Steps
Balogun’s red card places him in the record books as only the fourth player to both score and be sent off in a World Cup knockout match. This exclusive group includes Brazil‘s Garrincha in the 1962 semi-final, his compatriot Ronaldinho in the 2002 quarter-final, and France‘s Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 final.
With Balogun suspended, Ricardo Pepi is considered the most likely player to take his place in the starting line-up. Pepi, who plays for PSV, has not scored in his appearances during this tournament or in the four friendly games preceding it. His last international goal was in a Nations League game in November 2024.
Smith noted that the red card seemed to galvanise the US team, leading to a professional defensive performance that gives them a strong chance against Belgium. She observed that Bosnia-Herzegovina struggled to find a finishing touch despite their efforts. The US team’s performance has reportedly surprised some observers, and they are expected to challenge Belgium significantly.
Pochettino’s motivational phrase, “Why not us?”, which appears on a poster in his office, has become a rallying cry for the squad throughout the tournament. The team will face Belgium on Monday evening.
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Source: bbc.com
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”