United States forward Folarin Balogun said he respectfully disagrees with his red card in the Americans’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup. Balogun was sent off for stepping on the right ankle of Tarik Muharemovic.
Red Card Appeal
Balogun said a yellow card for the illegal tackle would have been fairer. He has to serve an automatic one-game suspension and will miss Monday’s Round of 16 game against Belgium.
Balogun has three goals in the tournament, including one to give the U.S. the lead against Bosnia. He has matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, behind only Bert Patenaude’s four in the initial tournament in 1930.
Team Support
US coach Mauricio Pochettino will select a replacement for Balogun in the starting lineup. Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright are the most likely candidates. Teammate Tyler Adams said the team has been flexible and guys have shown they’re ready to play.
Belgium is aware of the Americans’ offensive capabilities outside of Balogun. Christian Pulisic has 33 goals in 89 international appearances, fifth most in U.S. history. Five players other than Balogun have scored for the U.S. in the tournament.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
