Controversial Red Card Incident
Folarin Balogun, the USA striker, received a controversial red card following a VAR review during his side’s World Cup victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred midway through the second half, leaving Balogun visibly shocked.
The play involved Balogun and Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where their legs tangled while contesting the ball. Replays, shown in super-slow motion, depicted Balogun’s leg scraping down the calf of the Bosnian defender. Initially, Brazilian referee Raphael Claus did not award a free-kick, but after both players were injured and play halted, VAR officials directed Claus to the pitchside monitor. Upon reviewing the incident, the red card was promptly issued.
The decision quickly 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 Balogun’s incident, stating that while the replay in slow motion might suggest a red card, watching it in real-time makes the decision seem harsh. Smith suggested Balogun was attempting to protect the ball and plant his foot, and the unfortunate placement led to the contact.
The sending off meant the US team had to play the remaining 25 minutes with ten men. Despite this numerical disadvantage, Malik Tillman’s free-kick secured the victory with eight minutes left in the match.
USA Secures Last 16 Spot
The US team overcame the controversial red card and a gritty performance from Bosnia and Herzegovina to secure a 2-0 win, propelling them into the World Cup last 16. The victory was sealed by Tillman’s magnificently placed free-kick from the edge of the box.
The match saw moments of disbelief from the US camp, including Weston McKennie’s reaction and coach Mauricio Pochettino’s incredulous gestures. Pochettino expressed pride in his players after the game, highlighting the team’s resilience.
The win marks a significant achievement for the US men’s national team, placing them in a conversation not seen since 2002, when Bruce Arena’s squad reached the quarter-finals. This hard-earned victory and the team’s steely demeanor have made them a national topic of discussion in the US.
The match was played in front of a sold-out, pro-US crowd at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. The fans were treated to bright moments early in the game, though an early goal, which had been a feature of previous US matches in the tournament, did not materialise immediately.
In the fourth minute, Christian Pulisic created an early danger, cutting in from the left and firing a shot that was blocked by Stjepan Radeljić. Pulisic later commented on the team’s performance, stating that they had to “dig deep” and that the red card incident demonstrated the team’s strength.
Bosnia and Herzegovina also had their chances, forcing an awkward save from Matt Freese early on and an audacious attempt at an Olimpico by Kerim Alajbegović, which Freese managed to keep out.
Match Progression and Key Moments
During the first-half hydration break, the atmosphere in the stadium was enhanced by the psychedelic rock band Rising Rhythm, playing a repeated riff. The US team matched this commitment with a physical first half. Sergiño Dest made runs behind the Bosnia and Herzegovina defence, and McKennie continued to find space, while Balogun remained a threat.
Balogun initially thought he had scored after 32 minutes when Dest’s pressure led to McKennie finding Balogun, who applied an expert finish. However, the goal was disallowed due to Balogun being marginally offside, serving as a warning shot to the opposition.
The breakthrough for the US finally came just before half-time. Tim Ream initiated the play by getting to an underhit clearance. Ream opted for a first-time knock to McKennie, who then executed a dummy for Tillman. The ball was deflected and caught under Muharemovic’s foot, but Balogun was alert and finished, with the goal counting this time.
Balogun had another opportunity for a second goal shortly after, following a combination play where McKennie found Dest with a lofted pass over the defence. Dest’s header across goal was met by Balogun, but the ball hit the top of the crossbar and went out of play.
The US defence might have felt a reprieve when Edin Džeko was forced off with an injury after 50 minutes. However, their challenges soon escalated with Balogun’s red card incident in the 64th minute.
Following the red card, the US defence had to be fully committed as Bosnia and Herzegovina showed increased intensity with their numerical advantage. Despite this, the US maintained pressure, leading to Dest earning a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area. Tillman then stepped up and delivered a dipping effort that went over the wall and under the crossbar, bringing palpable relief to his team.
Balogun will face a minimum one-match suspension for serious foul play. There is also the possibility of an extended ban if the FIFA disciplinary committee deems it necessary, as per FIFA’s disciplinary code, which offers no grounds for appeal in such cases.
The US team is now set to face Belgium in the last 16 on Monday in Seattle, Washington.
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Source: independent.co.uk
Lucy Ashby is a Sports Reporter at NewsGB. She reported on the county circuit and Team GB. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Durham University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Durham, she plays club cricket and follows distance running. “The best sport reporting starts by listening.”
