07/03/26 05:20:00
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07/03 17:18 CDT US striker Folarin Balogun says a yellow card, not red card,
would have been ?fair' at the World Cup
US striker Folarin Balogun says a yellow card, not red card, would have been
?fair' at the World Cup
By ANDREW DESTIN
AP Sports Writer
SEATTLE (AP) --- United States forward Folarin Balogun said Friday he
respectfully disagrees with his red card in the Americans' 2-0 win over
Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup.
Balogun was sent off Wednesday for stepping on the right ankle of Tarik
Muharemovic.
Before practice at Husky Soccer Stadium, Balogun said a yellow card for the
illegal tackle would have been fairer.
"There's nowhere else to put your leg. It's going to be unavoidable," Balogun
said. "So, I've seen many different opinions and takes. But, for me personally,
I think a yellow card would have been fair. It's something that's happened, so
we have to move forward and I have to accept it."
Balogun has to serve an automatic one-game suspension and will miss Monday's
Round of 16 game against Belgium. There is no appeal process for a red-card
suspension unless FIFA assesses a penalty of more than one game, which was not
the case with Balogun. He will be eligible to return for the quarterfinals
should the Americans advance.
Balogun has three goals in the tournament, including one to give the U.S. the
lead against Bosnia. He has matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-most
goals by an American in a World Cup, behind only Bert Patenaude's four in the
initial tournament in 1930.
The 25-year-old striker celebrated his goal against Bosnia with the "Silencer"
move used by the NBA's LeBron James, which the league's career scoring leader
also celebrated on social media. Balogun, who became the first U.S. player to
score two goals in a World Cup match since 1930, said he has experienced a
"roller coaster" of emotions as of late.
"Been upset, I've been happy. It's been surreal, to be honest," Balogun said.
"But for me, I think it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react
out of anger and out of emotion. There's still lots of people who are inspiring
little kids, boys and girls who are watching. We have to show them the correct
way to handle things, even when you think it's unjust."
It's not yet clear who U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino will select to replace
Balogun in the starting lineup. Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright are the most
likely candidates.
When Christian Pulisic sat out the 2-0 win against Australia in group play
because of a calf injury, Pepi started in his place.
"When you miss a player like Balo, things change a little bit, but we've been
flexible," teammate Tyler Adams said. "Guys have shown that they're ready to
play. If it's Pepi, if it's Haji, we go a different direction. It should be an
exciting opportunity for whoever has to step up."
Belgium is aware of the Americans' offensive capabilities outside of Balogun.
Pulisic has 33 goals in 89 international appearances, fifth most in U.S.
history. Five players other than Balogun have scored for the U.S. in the
tournament.
"They have a lot of danger in the team," Belgium defender Maxim De Cuyper said.
"Lot of quality. I don't want to say too much, which qualities are the best.
But, I think they grew a lot in this tournament. You see they are in good flow.
They play at home, I think it's very dangerous for us. So, we will be prepared."
To be without Balogun for one of the most significant matches in U.S. history
is still a significant blow. A victory on home soil would secure a spot in the
quarterfinals of the World Cup for only the second time for the Americans. The
first was in 2002.
"I love seeing how engaged the country is in our journey and what they're
doing," Balogun said. "So, my role is just to continue supporting everybody, to
keep morale high. And, I'm sure for the game against Belgium we can really
create a great atmosphere to win."
Injury notes
Midfielder Cristian Roldan trained on his own again as he continues to rehab a
quad injury. Defender Mark McKenzie trained in full after dealing with a foot
injury that sidelined him for the Bosnia match.
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