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07/06 21:56 CDT After his suspension was lifted in scrutinized move, Balogun
has little impact in US World Cup loss
After his suspension was lifted in scrutinized move, Balogun has little impact
in US World Cup loss
By ANDREW DESTIN
AP Sports Writer
SEATTLE (AP) --- Folarin Balogun's presence on the field for the United States
against Belgium had a seismic impact on the world of soccer, but he ultimately
played a forgettable role in the Americans' 4-1 loss in the World Cup round of
16 on Monday.
The 25-year-old striker, who had three goals in this World Cup, was shown a red
card during the U.S. victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, but FIFA lifted his
suspension for Monday's match after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened on
Balogun's behalf.
FIFA's decision prompted soccer leaders to question the integrity of the World
Cup, with European soccer body UEFA saying FIFA "crossed a red line" and
Belgium's soccer federation contesting Balogun's eligibility.
Balogun did not score on Monday. He helped set up Malik Tillman's goal in the
31st minute when he was fouled by Belgium defender Brandon Mechele roughly 25
yards outside the Red Devils' goal.
Tillman scored on the ensuing free kick. Just before the goal, Balogun waved
his arms and pumped up the American fans.
The U.S. tried to set up Balogun multiple times. He made use of his speed on
several runs but could not get past Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. His
best chance came in the 82nd minute, when Courtois got in front of a
left-footed attempt. Balogun was replaced by Haji Wright in the 92nd minute.
Last Wednesday during the Americans' 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Balogun
was shown a red card by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping on an
opponent's ankle, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.
After Trump spoke by phone to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, FIFA's
disciplinary committee suspended the discipline for a year on Sunday.
Infantino said he did not play a role in the decision by the disciplinary
committee, which also fined Balogun $40,000, a penalty that can be paid by the
U.S. Soccer Federation.
The FIFA president was in attendance for the match, watching from a suite with
Pascale Van Damme, chair of the Belgian Football Association, and Cindy Parlow
Cone, president of the USSF. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin
was seated nearby.
Belgium fans chanted "FIFA Mafia" during their pregame march to Lumen Field.
Balogun's three goals matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second most by an
American in a World Cup. Bert Patenaude holds the U.S. record with four in the
initial tournament in 1930.
Balogun, who was playing in his first World Cup for the Americans, became the
first U.S. player to score two goals in a match in the tournament since 1930.
But he failed to lead the U.S. to what would have been its first consecutive
knockout-stage wins. The best performance by the Americans since 1930 remains
their run to the quarterfinals in 2002.
___
See more of AP's World Cup coverage here
