'We Let You Down': Folarin Balogun Breaks His Silence on World Cup Loss
Balogun said sorry to fans after the USMNT lost 4-1 to Belgium, while FIFA’s unusual ban ruling drew criticism worldwide.
- On Monday, the USMNT suffered a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the FIFA World Cup, eliminating the team in the round of 16. Star striker Folarin Balogun was held goalless in his World Cup debut.
- Controversy preceded the match after FIFA suspended a one-match ban for Balogun stemming from a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. United States President Donald Trump and officials reportedly pursued legal action to ensure his participation.
- Opposing coach Garcia criticized FIFA's decision as unprecedented, stating, "I didn't know that July 5 was equal to April 1 at FIFA." He emphasized his team opposed the ruling body, not the National Team.
- About 24 hours after the defeat, Balogun apologized to fans on social media. Garcia told reporters, "It is not his fault; he is not the one to blame," after Balogun approached him.
- Despite the 16th-ranked United States falling to Belgium, the 25-year-old striker expressed optimism for soccer's future in America. Balogun wrote, "The belief, the talent, and the passion is continually growing and I know the best days are in front of us.
21 Articles
21 Articles
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After the World Cup-off for the USA, Folarin Balogun personally joins the fans. The footballer was particularly in the focus in the past days.
The tricky questions the USMNT is facing after World Cup went sideways
Assessing this World Cup performance, which ended with a 4-1 thud, is a bit difficult. Mauricio Pochettino's side captured hearts and minds in their three wins, but saw their goodwill erode after Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban was controversially suspended. The team then failed its biggest test against Belgium.
I will need time to really understand everything that has happened. When the right moment is right, I will be able to speak with greater lucidity. For a couple of days Folarin Balogun was the most famous attacker in the world. More than Messi, more than Haaland, more than Kane. And not for his excellent World Championship (3 goals), but [...] The article I will speak with lucidity when it's the right time. If you take a red, you know you'll skip…
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