The USA pulled off a long-overdue victory on Wednesday. With its 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the USMNT recorded its first World Cup knockout-stage win since 2002. However, it came with a bittersweet note: Folarin Balogun, the man who scored the go-ahead goal, was sent off on a controversial red card in the 64th minute. Will he be available for Monday’s Round of 16 game against Belgium? Or will their star striker be suspended?
According to FIFA rules, a red card triggers an automatic suspension for the subsequent World Cup match. Not only does Balogun get sent off for the rest of Wednesday’s game, but he will remain on the bench for the entirety of the do-or-die game against Belgium on July 6th. It’s a tough blow for a team with a ton of momentum.
The call wasn’t without some controversy. Balogun, attempting to win the ball from a Bosnian player, appeared to accidentally step on the opponent’s leg as the two collided. In just about any circumstance, that would call for a yellow card, but the VAR judged it red-card worthy upon video review. You watch and be the judge:
With no Balogun, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino is likely to turn to Ricardo Pepi as the striker of choice. Haji Wright is also an option and could be the lead backup choice at the striker position.
