A Win & Unexpected Controversy
What a tournament this has been so far! The US men have played the best tournament so far that I have ever seen from them. They have been dominant, controlled and patient. These traits were particularly on display during their round of 32 match.
They played Bosnia and Herzegovina and showed out from the first whistle. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina did have an early chance in the 10th minute prompting Matt Freeze to make a save. This was a solid chance coming from a goal kick, which allowed players to be close to the goal and not be offside because it was a goal kick. However, after the initial chance the US became aware that this was one of the ways that Bosnia and Herzegovina would try to catch the US sleeping, and got their back line in order. The chances poured in from the US, starting early and coming often. Flo Balogun scored in the 33rd minute but after VAR review, it was determined that he was offside, not by much but just enough. But in the 44th minute he capitalized and was able to put it in the back of the net.
He also had a potential penalty in the box, shortly before halftime, but one was not called. His goal allowed the US to go into halftime on top.
Coming into the second half the US continued to be on the front foot, creating lots of chances and putting Bosnia and Herzegovina under pressure. However, in the 60th minute the tide of the game changed. Flo collided with a Bosnia and Herzegovina player. They were both going for the ball and it was rather awkward causing Flo Balogun to cleat the leg of the player and step awkwardly on his ankle. There was no intention behind it but the game was paused for a potential penalty. However, after some time the head ref went to the monitor and reviewed the footage frame by frame. In this light, of course it then looks rather scary and dangerous. The ref made the controversial call to give a red card, resulting in the US playing the rest of the match down a player, and making him ineligible to play in the next game should the US win.
All the commentators were in agreement that this was the wrong call. In fact the exact same thing happened in a group stage game in which Messi received no yellow card, let alone a red. So this was a rather shocking decision and put the US in an unexpected place. They had to play 30+ minutes with only 10 players. This led to a much more defensive game than was expected or anticipated. However, the squad did very well. All of the players came back in order to help defend and protect their precious 1-0 lead. They did an excellent job and even managed to still have some offensive moments.
In the 76th minute the offense pressed again and Christian Pulisic put one in the back of the net but then the offside flag came up and unfortunately the goal didn't count. But then in the 81st minute there was a penalty just outside of the box and Malik Tillman took it. The ball traveled over the wall of defenders and then dipped under the bar. The goalie got a hand to the ball but it wasn't enough. 2-0!
The USMNT was able to put another in and all but seal their win. The game was won! The US showed up and fought for the win. They faced unexpected challenges in the game but were still able to make it happen. Not only is the win impressive and the way they endure, but the class, respect and maturity of this team was incredible. Despite the shocking red card early in the second half, Flo Balogun didn’t fight with the ref but accepted it and let his team continue on. In the interviews since the game many reporters have asked him about the red card moment and why he shook the ref's hand after the game. His response was,
“There are lots of people we’re inspiring, boys and girls watching. You have to show them the right way to handle things, even when you think it's unjust”.
To me this shows respect and maturity that can often be missing in the world. With all that said, on Sunday it was announced by FIFA that they were suspending the red card for a year. The red card is not gone but has been suspended, making Flo Balogun eligible to play in tonight's game in Belgium. I am so happy to see FIFA correct a horrible mistake made by the ref. It was a red card that should’ve never been given. The USMNT didn’t petition FIFA and had prepared to play without Flo Balogun.
However, this has created quite a controversy. The suspension of the red card came 24 hours before the two teams were set to face off. The timing of the suspension was less than ideal. If this suspension has been in the world then it should have come much sooner. However, both teams have planned for a different type of game than will likely be played tonight. This is an unexpected change for both sides. While this is very unprecedented it's not unheard of. In the last qualifying match Cristiano Ronaldo received a direct red card. This usually results in a three match suspension, meaning that he wouldn’t have been eligible to play in the opening match of the World Cup. However due to chapter 4 article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which allowed Ronaldo to serve a one game suspension in the World Cup friendly and deferred the other two game suspension under a one-year probationary period. This is the same situation that has now occurred for Flo Balogun. Many are quick to say that this has never occurred before in a world cup, however, that's simply untrue. In 1962 Brazilian player Garrincha got a red card in the Semis but was able to play in the finals. Additionally, this part of the disciplinary code is a recent adaptation since 2023, so it’s impossible that it could have been used before this World Cup.
Could the suspension have been handled better, sure, but it still was the right thing to do. This controversy has unfortunately overshadowed much of the success of the USMNT. Win or lose, unfortunately this is probably the only thing the people will talk about. It is sad to see all of this controversy when up until this point the World Cup has been unifying and healing for the world. Regardless, I am excited to watch the match tonight! Go USA!!
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