Folarin Balogun says yellow would have been fair after World Cup red | OneFootball

Folarin Balogun will miss the United States’ World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium after being sent off in the 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The AS Monaco striker saw red in the 64th minute. The Belgium match is in Seattle in the early hours of Tuesday, at two in the morning.

Brazilian referee Raphael Claus initially gave no foul, then produced a red card after a VAR intervention for an uncontrolled tackle on Tarik Muharemovic. According to L'Équipe, Balogun later said he had seen many opinions, felt a yellow would have been fair, and accepted the decision, describing an emotional rollercoaster.

He is USA’s leading scorer at the tournament with three goals, part of the 10 Mauricio Pochettino’s side have registered at this World Cup.

Team-mates have offered support, and midfielder Tyler Adams said the group have adapted without him. He pointed to options such as Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright, while stressing that selection is for the coach.

If the USA advance, Pochettino would have Balogun available for the quarter-finals, which would be against Spain or Portugal.

Source: L'Équipe