USMNT Teammates Challenge Balogun Red Card After 2-0 World Cup Win
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 2
USMNT Teammates Challenge Balogun Red Card After 2-0 World Cup Win
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 2
Summary
Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams said Folarin Balogun should have seen only a yellow after VAR upgraded his 64th-minute challenge in the United States' 2-0 round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun had scored just before halftime, then was sent off for stepping on Tarik Muharemović's ankle in an inadvertent challenge that teammates argued looked worse in slow motion.
Malik Tillman's 82nd-minute free kick sealed the result as the U.S. held firm with 10 men, but Balogun is now suspended for the round-of-16 match against Belgium.
FIFA rules leave the USMNT little recourse because teams can appeal only if a red card brings more than a one-game ban, raising the risk of further discipline for Balogun.