SEATTLE — Folarin Balogun’s controversial return failed to prevent the United States from crashing out of the FIFA World Cup, with Belgium securing a convincing 4-1 victory in the Round of 16 on Monday.Balogun started after FIFA overturned the automatic one-match suspension he received following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a decision that came after U.S. President Donald Trump urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the incident.The move sparked widespread criticism across world football, with UEFA accusing FIFA of undermining the integrity of the competition and the Belgian Football Association questioning Balogun’s eligibility.Balogun insisted he played no role in the process.”I accepted the decision when I was given the red card, and I accepted the decision when I was told I was allowed to play,” he said. “I didn’t have any involvement in the process.”The Monaco striker, who entered the match with three World Cup goals, was unable to add to his tally. His most influential contribution came in the first half when he won a free kick outside the penalty area after being fouled by Brandon Mechele. Malik Tillman converted the resulting set piece for the United States’ only goal.Balogun threatened with several runs behind Belgium’s defence but was denied by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose save in the 82nd minute kept the striker off the scoresheet before he was substituted in stoppage time.Tyler Adams defended his teammate after the defeat, saying Balogun had worked hard despite limited opportunities.”We were happy that he had the opportunity to play,” Adams said. “He tried to be a presence and a nuisance, but we just didn’t create enough chances.”Balogun admitted the Americans failed to match the intensity that had carried them through the group stage and into the knockout rounds.”Today we didn’t give the crowd a lot to cheer for,” he said. “That’s the most disappointing thing.”The 25-year-old finished the tournament with three goals, matching Landon Donovan’s tally at the 2010 World Cup for the second-highest scoring total by an American at a single tournament. Only Bert Patenaude, who scored four goals at the inaugural World Cup in 1930, has scored more for the United States.
SEATTLE — Folarin Balogun’s controversial return failed to prevent the United States from crashing out of the FIFA World Cup, with Belgium securing a convincing 4-1 victory in the Round of 16 on Monday.Balogun started after FIFA overturned the automatic one-match suspension he received following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a decision that came after U.S. President Donald Trump urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the incident.The move sparked widespread criticism across world football, with UEFA accusing FIFA of undermining the integrity of the competition and the Belgian Football Association questioning Balogun’s eligibility.Balogun insisted he played no role in the process.”I accepted the decision when I was given the red card, and I accepted the decision when I was told I was allowed to play,” he said. “I didn’t have any involvement in the process.”The Monaco striker, who entered the match with three World Cup goals, was unable to add to his tally. His most influential contribution came in the first half when he won a free kick outside the penalty area after being fouled by Brandon Mechele. Malik Tillman converted the resulting set piece for the United States’ only goal.Balogun threatened with several runs behind Belgium’s defence but was denied by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose save in the 82nd minute kept the striker off the scoresheet before he was substituted in stoppage time.Tyler Adams defended his teammate after the defeat, saying Balogun had worked hard despite limited opportunities.”We were happy that he had the opportunity to play,” Adams said. “He tried to be a presence and a nuisance, but we just didn’t create enough chances.”Balogun admitted the Americans failed to match the intensity that had carried them through the group stage and into the knockout rounds.”Today we didn’t give the crowd a lot to cheer for,” he said. “That’s the most disappointing thing.”The 25-year-old finished the tournament with three goals, matching Landon Donovan’s tally at the 2010 World Cup for the second-highest scoring total by an American at a single tournament. Only Bert Patenaude, who scored four goals at the inaugural World Cup in 1930, has scored more for the United States.
