Balogun says red card controversy affected USA at World Cup
United States striker Folarin Balogun says the controversy over his red card at the World Cup added extra pressure on the team.
Balogun was sent off during the USA’s 2-0 group-stage win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after stepping on an opponent’s foot. He said he was shocked by the decision and believed it was not intentional.
A few days later, FIFA suspended the red card, allowing him to play in the last-16 match against Belgium. US President Donald Trump later said he had asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the decision.
The USA lost the match 4-1 to Belgium, with Balogun starting but making little impact.
Balogun said he was happy to return to the team but knew the decision would create controversy.
“It put more pressure on us than we needed,” he said. “I could see that some of my teammates were nervous because it was such an unusual situation.”
He added that it was difficult to ignore the public attention and criticism before the match.
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