While it had been a brilliant World Cup on the pitch for the United States, things took a dramatic turn for the worse in the Last 16. Coming up against Belgium, Mauricio Pochettino's men were truly humbled.
In front of their own fans, the US shipped two goals in the first half, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring a brace either side of Malik Tillman's equaliser. The European nation then blew their opponents away, scoring two more after the break, as goals from Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku sealed the 4-1 thrashing.
Hopes had been high for Pochettino's side going into the clash, boosted by the shock decision from FIFA to allow Folarin Balogun to play. The star striker had been given a red card in the Last 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but saw his suspension suspended after intervention from Donald Trump, meaning he was in the starting XI to face Belgium.
The Arsenal academy graduate's involvement wasn't enough to help the US get a result, and the player has now spoken out on the saga.
Balogun Reacts to World Cup Red Card Backlash
Folarin Balogun (USA) after being sent off at World CupCarlos Barria via Action Images via Reuters
Manager Pochettino spoke about how delighted he was to have Balogun available, telling the press ahead of the game: “Everyone that really loves the sport and trusts ethics and integrity, I think we celebrate all that decision.”
But the decision did leave a dark cloud hanging over the match, and Belgium planned to take the ruling to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport if they had lost the game. It's unclear if they will take any further action, having now won the match.
In the middle of all the drama, Balogun can be deemed blameless as he would have had no say in the events either way. With that in mind, it's interesting to learn how he really feels about the decision.
Speaking to the press on the matter, he gave a measured response, claiming that he was not surprised by the backlash after the decision was overturned:
"When that decision's overturned, of course it's going to be controversial.
"So for me, it's something that it didn't really surprise me too much. But as a player, my job is just to go out there and focus on my job."
Belgium Boss Praises Conduct From Balogun
Perhaps offering more insight into the matter, Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has revealed details of the conversation he held with Balogun after the game. The pair were seen talking on the pitch, and Garcia has praised the Monaco forward for his conduct, revealing:
"Flo Balogun came to talk to me. I liked that. It’s not his fault. He is not the one to blame, and I told him that. I appreciate that he came over to talk to me.”
The anger certainly doesn't appear to be with Balogun but FIFA are not likely to be let off the hook for their actions any time soon. European football's governing body, UEFA, for example, have slammed the decision to suspend Balogun's ban for a red card for a year, saying it 'crossed a red line.'
Even though the US lost, the controversy around the game will surely linger on for some time.