It all went just how Team USA would have drawn it up for their Round of 32 matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina. A 2-0 win thanks to goals from Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman sent them on to the Round of 16 to face Belgium. However, there was a dark cloud hanging over the Americans even after the victory.
Their star striker, Balogun, received a straight red card in the 64th minute for a foul on Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic. It was a physical challenge that resulted in Balogun making hard contact with the side of Muharemovic’s leg/ankle, though it was quite evident there was no intent to injure.
Nonetheless, he was sent off, and it’s since been confirmed that he will automatically be suspended for the USA’s next match, meaning they won’t have their leading goal scorer and most dynamic offensive player available on Monday night against Belgium.
“If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed,”
The 24-year-old Balogun has tallied three goals in three goals so far in this World Cup.
It’s a massive blow for the Americans and a call that has drawn major criticism and scrutiny in the aftermath, with comparisons being made to a similar play from Lionel Messi earlier in the tournament that wasn’t penalized whatsoever.
Unfortunately for Balogun and Team USA, even if the wrong call was made, there is no way to appeal a World Cup red card, so his status for the Round of 16 is confirmed: out.
Beating Belgium was already going to be a tall task with Balogun in the lineup, and now, without him, it will be that much tougher for the host nation to punch its ticket to the final eight.
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