United States forward Folarin Balogun has broken his silence over the controversial red card that will see him miss the United States’ last-16 tie against Belgium.
Balogun scored his third goal of the World Cup to give the US an early lead against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday but was sent off in the second half after landing on the ankle of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic, in an eventful game for the Monaco forward.
US coach Mauricio Pochettino criticised the red for what he described as “accidental” contact and Balogun echoed that view, calling the incident unavoidable.
Balogun had mixed feelings in the aftermath, describing NBA great LeBron James’ reaction to his celebration as “a surreal moment” which had been tempered by knowing he was suspended for Monday’s last-16 game against Belgium.
“It’s been a rollercoaster, there’s been lots of different emotions,” he told reporters before training on Friday, which started with Pochettino taking baseball tips ahead of throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the Seattle Mariners’ game later in the day.
“I’ve been sad, I’ve been happy, it’s been surreal to be honest. It’s important for me to say, obviously, first and foremost, it was totally unintentional, which I’m sure a lot of people know. I don’t think it was the correct call. I think a yellow card would have been fair.”
Balogun, though, insisted he had a part to play in the next game even if he could not be on the pitch.
“Just to support the boys, support the team,” he said. “I love seeing how engaged the country is in our journey and what we’re doing. I think my role is just to continue to support everybody, to keep morale high.”
The US squad appeared in high spirits during the training session and moved on to a nearby ballpark for a relaxed game, with defender Tim Ream impressing at the plate.
Reuters
