USA striker Folarin Balogun sent off in World Cup victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina
Controversial Red Card Incident
Folarin Balogun, the USA striker, received a red card following a VAR review during his side’s World Cup victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The incident occurred midway through the second half, leaving Balogun in a state of shock.
The play involved Balogun and Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as their legs tangled while contesting the ball. Slow-motion replays showed Balogun’s leg making contact with the calf of the Bosnian defender.
Initially, Brazilian referee Raphael Claus did not award a free-kick. However, after both players were injured and play halted, VAR officials directed Claus to the pitchside monitor. Upon reviewing the footage, Claus issued a red card to Balogun.
The decision drew comparisons from fans and pundits to an unpunished challenge by Lionel Messi in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, where the Argentine captain did not receive a card.
Former England women’s striker Sue Smith commented on the incident, suggesting that while a still image might suggest a red card, viewing it in real-time made the decision seem harsh. She noted that Balogun appeared to be protecting the ball and planting his foot, with the unfortunate placement leading to the contact.
The red card meant the USA had to play the final 25 minutes of the match with ten men. Despite this, Malik Tillman’s free-kick secured the victory with eight minutes remaining.
Match Progression and Victory
The USA secured a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, propelling them into the last 16 of the World Cup. The victory was described as gritty, with Tillman’s free-kick from the edge of the box sealing the result.
USA coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed pride in his players after the game. The win marks a significant achievement for the team, advancing them to a stage not reached since 2002, when Bruce Arena’s squad made the quarter-finals.
The match, held at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, saw a sold-out, pro-USA crowd. Early in the game, Christian Pulisic created danger, mirroring his performance in the USA’s opener against Paraguay. He cut in from the left and fired a shot that was blocked by Stjepan Radeljić.
Bosnia and Herzegovina also had early opportunities, forcing a save from Matt Freese and an audacious attempt by Kerim Alajbegović. During the first-half hydration break, the stadium’s live band, Rising Rhythm, played, and the USA maintained their focus.
Sergiño Dest made runs behind the defense, and Weston McKennie found space across the field. Balogun continued to threaten, and he thought he had scored after 32 minutes when Dest’s pressure led to McKennie finding him for a finish. However, the goal was disallowed for offside.
The breakthrough for the USA came just before half-time. Tim Ream initiated the play from an underhit clearance, passing to McKennie, who then executed a dummy for Tillman. The ball was deflected and caught under Muharemovic’s foot, allowing Balogun to adjust and score, this time counting.
Balogun nearly added a second goal shortly after, following combination play where McKennie found Dest with a lofted pass. Dest’s header across goal was met by Balogun, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out of play.
The USA defense faced a challenge when Edin Džeko was forced off with an injury after 50 minutes. However, the red card to Balogun presented a bigger issue. Despite playing with ten men, the USA maintained pressure, leading to Dest earning a free-kick near the penalty area.
Tillman stepped up and delivered a dipping free-kick that went over the wall and under the crossbar, providing relief for his team. The win sets up a last-16 encounter for the USA against Belgium, scheduled for Monday in Seattle, Washington.
Implications of the Red Card
For Folarin Balogun, the red card means he will face a minimum one-match suspension for serious foul play. According to FIFA’s disciplinary code, there are no grounds for an appeal against the decision.
The disciplinary committee could potentially extend his suspension for an additional game or two, depending on their review. This suspension will prevent Balogun from participating in the USA’s last-16 tie against Belgium.
Christian Pulisic acknowledged the team’s resilience after the match, stating that the red card did not derail their plan and demonstrated the strength of the squad. He highlighted a conversation during the hydration break where the team discussed what it takes to be a strong unit, which they then achieved.
The upcoming match against Belgium will be the fourth time the USA has faced them in a friendly within the last year, with a previous encounter resulting in a 5-2 loss. The team’s performance in this hard-earned victory suggests a potential for further advancement in the tournament.
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Source: independent.co.uk
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
