After days of intense debate, political interference and unprecedented controversy over his red card suspension being overturned, Folarin Balogun’s return to the United States lineup ended with little to show as Belgium stormed to a convincing 4-1 victory in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Monday.Balogun, whose availability dominated world football headlines after FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban, struggled to influence proceedings as the Americans crashed out of the tournament. The Monaco striker finished without a goal and managed just 10 touches in the first half – the fewest of any player on the pitch at that stage – in a performance that contrasted sharply with the attention surrounding his reinstatement.The defeat also extended a painful trend for the United States, who were eliminated in the Round of 16 in six of their seven appearances at that stage of the FIFA World Cupincluding each of his last four knockout appearances.
A free throw earns his only major contribution
Balogun’s most significant involvement came in the 31st minute when he was brought down about 25 meters from goal by Belgian defender Brandon Mechele. Malik Tillman curled the resulting free-kick into the net to briefly level the scores at 1-1.Moments before the set-piece, Balogun tried to rouse the home crowd by waving his arms towards the stands, but Belgium quickly regained control and restored their lead just over a minute later.The United States repeatedly looked to exploit Balogun’s pace behind the Belgium defense, but the striker found goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in inspired form. His best opportunity came in the 82nd minute, only for Courtois to deny his left-footed effort. Balogun was eventually substituted for Haji Wright in second half stoppage time.READ ALSO: Romelu Lukaku makes unique World Cup history with super-sub-proat as Belgium end USA dream
From the FIFA storm to the quiet exit
Balogun’s participation had overshadowed the build-up after FIFA took the extraordinary step of suspending his automatic one-match ban following his dismissal against Bosnia-Herzegovina.The striker had received a red card after Brazilian referee Raphael Claus reviewed an incident in which Balogun stepped on an opponent’s ankle, automatically ruling him out of the clash in Belgium.However, after a phone call between the President of the United States Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s disciplinary committee invoked article 27 of its disciplinary code to suspend the sanction for a one-year trial period. Balogun remained eligible to play, but was fined $40,000, a penalty that could be paid by the US Soccer Federation.The decision has sparked widespread criticism in football. UEFA accused FIFA of having “crossed a red line”, Belgium challenged Balogun’s eligibility, and supporters chanted “FIFA Mafia” during their march to Seattle’s Lumen Field before kickoff.Balogun entered the knockout stage after enjoying a memorable tournament, scoring three goals to equal Landon Donovan’s tally from the 2010 World Cup – the second-most by an American in a single edition behind Bert Patenaude’s four in 1930. He also became the first US player since Patenaude to score twice in the World Cup.But after days of unprecedented controversy and worldwide scrutiny, Balogun’s much-discussed return ultimately proved to be a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo as Belgium comfortably ended the United States’ hopes of a World Cup fairytale at home.