SEATTLE — U.S. forward Folarin Balogun said Friday he respectfully disagreed with the red card he received in the Americans’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina at the World Cup.
Balogun was sent off for stepping on Tarik Muharemovic’s right ankle.
Before practice at the Huskies soccer stadium, Balogun said a yellow card for an illegal tackle would have been fairer.
“There’s nowhere else to put your foot. It’s inevitable,” Balogun said. “So, I’ve seen a lot of different opinions and points of view. But for me personally, I think a yellow card would have been fair. That’s what happened, so we have to move forward and I have to accept that.”
Balogun will have to serve an automatic one-game ban and will miss the round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday. There is no appeal process for a red card suspension unless FIFA imposes a penalty of more than one game, which was not the case with Balogun. He will be eligible to return to the quarterfinals if the Americans advance.
Balogun has three goals in the tournament, including one that gave the United States the lead against Bosnia. In 2010, he tied Landon Donovan for second most World Cup goals by an American, behind only Berthe Patenaude, who scored four in the inaugural tournament in 1930.
The 25-year-old forward celebrated his goal against Bosnia with the “Silencer” move used by NBA player LeBron James, which the league’s scoring leader also celebrated on social media. Balogun, who became the first American player to score two goals in a World Cup match since 1930, said he’s been on a “rollercoaster” of emotions lately.
“I was upset, I was happy. It was surreal, to be honest,” Balogun said. “But for me, I think it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger or emotion. There are still a lot of people who are inspiring little kids, boys and girls, who are watching. We have to show them the right way to solve problems, even if you think it’s unfair.”
It is not yet clear who USA coach Mauricio Pochettino will choose to replace Balogun in the starting lineup. Ricardo Pepi and Hadji Wright are the most likely candidates.
When Christian Pulisic missed the 2-0 group game win over Australia with a calf injury, Pepi came on in his place.
“When you miss a player like Balo, things change a little bit, but we’ve been flexible,” teammate Tyler Adams said. “The boys have shown they are ready to play. If it’s Pepi, if it’s Hadji, we’ll go in a different direction. It should be an exciting opportunity for those who need to step up.”
Belgium is aware of the American offensive capabilities outside of Balogun. Pulisic has 33 goals in 89 caps, the fifth-most in US history. Five other players besides Balogun scored for Team USA in the tournament.
“There are a lot of dangers in the team,” said Belgium defender Maxime De Cuyper. “Very high quality. I don’t want to say too much about what the best qualities are. But I think they have grown a lot in this tournament. See, they are in good shape. They are playing at home, I think it is very dangerous for us. So we will be ready.”
To be without Balogun for one of the most significant matches in US history is still a serious blow. A victory on home soil would secure the Americans a place in the World Cup quarterfinals for only the second time. The first one was in 2002.
“I love seeing how involved the country is in our journey and what they are doing,” Balogun said. “So my role is to continue to support everyone, keep morale high. And I’m confident that against Belgium we can really create a great atmosphere to win.”
Midfielder Cristian Roldan was back training on his own as he continues to recover from a quad injury. Defender Mark McKenzie was in full training after a foot injury kept him out of the match against Bosnia.