Balogun’s Eventful Night in World Cup Round of 32

Folarin Balogun experienced both highs and lows during the United States’ World Cup round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. His evening started positively with his third goal of the tournament, putting the U.S. in a leading position. However, his night ended on a sour note after receiving a red card early in the second half. This decision means he will miss the next game.

Christian Pulisic expressed his frustration, commenting, “It’s so unfortunate honestly. 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 celebrated his allowed goal with a move popularized by NBA star LeBron James, but his earlier effort was nullified due to an offside call. The red card was awarded by the referee, Raphael Claus, after a video review showed Balogun stepping on Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle. Claus did not initially issue a card, but changed his decision after reviewing the incident.

“It never was intentional,” U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino remarked. “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 joined Brazil’s Ronaldinho and France’s Zinedine Zidane as players who scored and were sent off in a World Cup knockout game. Teammate Chris Richards quipped, “Pretty cool record, huh.”

Balogun is set to serve a one-game suspension for the round of 16 match against Belgium, with no option to appeal the decision unless FIFA imposes a penalty for more than one game.

Weston McKennie criticized the absence of an appeal process, labeling it as “bogus” and disagreed with the referee’s decision post-review. “Obviously the ref made a decision that he made, but I think it’s questionable. I think there’s been many other plays like that throughout the tournament on other players that a card wasn’t given at all. It’s disappointing.”

Despite the disappointment, Balogun was comforted on the field by both teammates and Bosnian defender Sead Kolasinac and returned to celebrate with his team after the match. He even shook hands with the officials.

The United States may turn to Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright against Belgium. Wright stated, “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.”

Earlier, Balogun’s disallowed goal came in the 31st minute, but he made up for it by scoring the opening goal in the 45th minute, thanks to Malik Tillman’s pass deflected by Bosnia’s Stjepan Radeljic. The ball then bounced off Tarik Muharemovic, enabling Balogun to score between the goalkeeper and the far post. James, known for silencing hostile crowds, celebrated the moment on social media.

With his recent performance, Balogun has matched Landon Donovan’s record from 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, trailing only behind Bert Patenaude’s four goals scored in the 1930 tournament.

Balogun’s red card is the fifth issued to a U.S. player in World Cup history, joining Eric Wynalda, Fernando Clavijo, and others who faced similar fates.