The crowd at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium was electric when Folarin Balogun struck his third World Cup goal in as many games. The 24-year-old former Arsenal youth star had finally broken the deadlock, and it seemed like the USA were cruising to victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. But, just like a perfectly executed counter-attack can swing momentum in an instant, disaster struck for Balogun – and his team.
A challenge with Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic that appeared accidental at first glance, but was picked up by the VAR, resulted in a straight red card. The Brazilian referee, Raphael Claus, had consulted the monitor, and when the slow-motion replays were scrutinised, it became clear that Balogun's boot had landed on the back of Muharemovic's ankle. The decision sent shockwaves through the stadium, and the USA's momentum was severely disrupted.
Balogun's misfortune earned him a place in the World Cup record books – but not for reasons he'd have chosen to be remembered by. He became only the third American to score three goals in a single tournament edition, but also joined an elite group of players who've both scored and been sent off in a knockout match. The company he keeps is nothing short of legendary – Brazil's Garrincha and Ronaldinho, France's Zinedine Zidane are all part of this exclusive club.
The immediate consequence of the red card will see Balogun miss the last-16 showdown against Belgium in Seattle. But the worry for the USA squad goes beyond that one-game ban – FIFA officials can extend the suspension, potentially ruling him out of any subsequent quarter-final or semi-final matches if they progress further.
In Balogun's absence, Ricardo Pepi is likely to lead the line. The PSV forward has yet to find the net in his 184 minutes at this tournament, nor in four preceding friendly games. But don't count him out – he's a long-term target for Fulham and has shown glimpses of promise.
US defender Chris Richards summed up the team's spirit when he said, "We told him we have got his back. We are a team of 26, not just one." Manager Mauricio Pochettino echoed this sentiment, highlighting their resilience in the face of adversity – and they'll need it as they prepare for a baptism by fire against Belgium.
Former England forward Sue Smith observed that the red card seemed to galvanise the USA team, inspiring a top-notch defensive display against Bosnia. That resolve will be put to the test in Seattle, where only time will tell if Pochettino's squad have what it takes to overcome the challenges ahead – without their leading goalscorer.