Balogun sent off despite scoring in USA's win over Bosnia
USA striker Flo Balogun scored a goal but was shown a red card in the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday. The incident has sparked controversy, with former US international Alexi Lalas calling the decision a 'crap call' and suggesting that Lionel Messi would not have been punished similarly.
Balogun's red card came in the 61st minute after a tackle on Tarik Muharemovic, where his foot planted on the Bosnian's ankle. Despite being a man down, USA secured a 2-0 victory, with Malik Tillman adding a second goal in the 82nd minute.
Lalas and Pochettino criticise red card decision
Speaking on the 'State of the Union Podcast', Lalas said: 'That is not a red card. I understand that in the moment it looks bad, and when you see it on video it looks bad. But you have to have a feel and understanding of what's going on. I thought it was a crap call.' He added: 'It should be said that if his name was Messi, as we have seen earlier in the tournament, he would still be on the field and he would still be able to play in Seattle on Monday.'
USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino also defended Balogun, telling reporters: 'Never was this a red card. Watching it on TV, never was there intention to step on the player. That was a normal action in football. That happened by accident, and it is never intentional. That is why for me it was never a red card.'
Balogun's historic performance and suspension
Despite the red card, Balogun had a standout performance. He scored his third goal of the tournament, joining Bert Patenaude (4 in 1930) and Landon Donovan (3 in 2010) as the only USA players to score three or more goals in a single World Cup edition, according to Opta Analyst. He also became the fourth player after Zinedine Zidane (2006 final), Ronaldinho (2002 quarter-final) and Garrincha (1962 semi-final) to both score and be sent off in a World Cup knockout match.
Due to the red card, Balogun will be suspended for the round of 16 match against Belgium on July 7, a crucial fixture for a quarterfinal spot.
Match details and Balogun's impact
USA dominated the first half with over 62% ball possession, five shots, and 19 touches in the opposition box, 14 of which were by Balogun. Balogun opened the scoring in the 45th minute, receiving a pass from Sergino Dest that took a deflection off Muharemovic, before driving the ball past goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. He also hit the crossbar moments later.
After the break, Bosnia made three substitutions, but USA continued to press. In the 61st minute, the controversial tackle occurred, leading to Balogun's red card. Despite being a man down, Tillman sealed the win with a goal in the 82nd minute.
Pochettino said Balogun was 'sad and disappointed' in the dressing room but happy with the win. 'He needs to understand that this type of situation happens. I hope that, for sure, he is going to be able to help us again. I hope that we go to the next round,' the coach added.
