Folarin Balogun's Return Sees USA Eliminated by Belgium in World Cup

Folarin Balogun chases the ball during the World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium. (AP Photo)

After days of intense debate, political intervention and unprecedented controversy over his red-card suspension being overturned, Folarin Balogun's return to the United States lineup ended with little to show as Belgium stormed to a convincing 4-1 victory in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Monday. Balogun, whose availability dominated global football headlines after FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban, struggled to influence proceedings as the Americans crashed out of the tournament. The Monaco forward finished without a goal and managed only 10 touches in the first half — the fewest of any player on the pitch at that stage — in a performance that contrasted sharply with the attention surrounding his reinstatement. The defeat also extended a painful trend for the United States, who have now been eliminated in the Round of 16 in six of their seven appearances at that stage of the FIFA World Cup, including each of their last four knockout appearances.

One free-kick earns his only major contribution

Balogun's most meaningful involvement came in the 31st minute when he was brought down around 25 yards from goal by Belgian defender Brandon Mechele. Malik Tillman curled the resulting free-kick into the net to briefly level the scores at 1-1. Moments before the set-piece, Balogun attempted to lift the home crowd by waving his arms toward the stands, but Belgium quickly regained control and restored their advantage just over a minute later. The United States repeatedly looked to exploit Balogun's pace behind Belgium's defence, but the striker found goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in inspired form. His best opportunity arrived in the 82nd minute, only for Courtois to deny his left-footed effort. Balogun was eventually substituted for Haji Wright in second-half stoppage time.ALSO READ: Romelu Lukaku scripts unique World Cup history with super-sub feat as Belgium end USA's dream

From FIFA storm to quiet exit

Balogun's participation had overshadowed the build-up after FIFA took the extraordinary step of suspending his automatic one-match ban following his dismissal against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The striker had received a red card after Brazilian referee Raphael Claus reviewed an incident in which Balogun stepped on an opponent's ankle, automatically ruling him out of the Belgium clash. However, following a phone call between US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, FIFA's disciplinary committee invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code to suspend the sanction for a one-year probationary period. Balogun remained eligible to play but was fined $40,000, a penalty that could be paid by the US Soccer Federation. The decision sparked widespread criticism across football. UEFA accused FIFA of having "crossed a red line", Belgium challenged Balogun's eligibility, and supporters chanted "FIFA Mafia" during their march to Seattle's Lumen Field before kickoff. Balogun arrived in the knockout stage having enjoyed a memorable tournament, scoring three goals to equal Landon Donovan's tally from the 2010 World Cup — the joint second-most by an American at a single edition behind Bert Patenaude's four in 1930. He had also become the first U.S. player since Patenaude to score twice in a World Cup match. But after days of unprecedented controversy and worldwide scrutiny, Balogun's much-discussed return ultimately proved to be a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo, as Belgium comfortably ended the United States' hopes of a home World Cup fairy tale.