After days of intense debate, political intervention and unprecedented controversy over his red-card suspension being overturned, Folarin Balogun’s return to the United States lineup ended with little to show for it as Belgium cruised to a convincing 4-1 victory in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Monday.Balogun, whose availability dominated global football headlines after FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban, struggled to influence proceedings as the Americans crashed out of the tournament. The Monaco forward finished without a goal and made just 10 touches in the first half – the fewest of any player on the pitch in that period – in a performance that was in stark contrast to the attention that surrounded his return.The loss also extended a painful trend for the United States, who have now been eliminated in the Round of 16 in six of their seven appearances at that stage. FIFA World Cupincluding each of their last four knockout appearances.
A free-kick earned his only major contribution
Balogun’s most meaningful involvement came in the 31st minute when he was brought down 25 yards from goal by Belgian defender Brandon Mechele. Malik Tillman folded the resulting free-kick into the net to briefly tie the scores at 1-1.Moments before the set-piece, Balogun tried to cheer the home crowd by waving his arms towards the stands, but Belgium quickly took control and regained their advantage a minute later.The United States repeatedly looked to exploit Balogun’s pace behind the Belgium defence, but the striker found goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in inspired form. His best chance came in the 82nd minute, only for Courtoi to turn away his left-footed effort. Balogun was eventually replaced by Haji Wright in stoppage time in the second half.ALSO READ: Romelu Lukaku wrote incredible World Cup history with super-sub feat as Belgium ended USA’s dream
From FIFA storm to quiet exit
Balogun’s participation overshadowed the build-up after FIFA took the unusual step of suspending his automatic one-match ban following his sending off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.The striker received a red card after Brazilian referee Raphael Claus reviewed an incident where Balogun stepped on an opponent’s ankle, automatically ruling him out of the match in Belgium.However, after a phone call between the US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s disciplinary committee requested Article 27 of its disciplinary code to suspend the punishment for a one-year probationary period. Balogun remained eligible to play but was fined $40,000, a penalty to be paid by the US Soccer Federation.The decision sparked widespread criticism in football. UEFA accused FIFA of “crossing a red line”, Belgium challenged Balogun’s eligibility, and supporters chanted “FIFA Mafia” as they marched to Seattle’s Lumen Field before kick-off.Balogun arrived at the knockout stage having enjoyed a memorable tournament, scoring three goals to match Landon Donovan’s tally from the 2010 World Cup — the joint second most by an American in an edition behind Bert Patenaude’s four in 1930. He also became the first US player since Patenaude to score twice in a World Cup game.But after days of unprecedented controversy and worldwide scrutiny, Balogun’s much-talked-about return ultimately proved to be a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo, as Belgium comfortably ended the United States’ hopes of a home World Cup fairy tale.