Folarin Balogun’s night began with another World Cup goal and ended with a red card that will force the United States striker to miss the biggest match of his international career so far.
Balogun scored his third goal of the tournament to put the United States ahead in Wednesday’s 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia before being sent off early in the second half, ruling him out of Monday’s last-16 meeting with Belgium in Seattle.
The striker celebrated his first-half goal by copying NBA great LeBron James’ trademark “Silencer” celebration, lifting his knees, pounding his chest and repeatedly pushing both arms downward in front of an ecstatic home crowd in Santa Clara.
James responded on social media during the match.
“Helluva goal there Young King!” he wrote.
Balogun’s evening changed dramatically after the interval when he caught Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic on the ankle with his boot.
Referee Cristian Garay initially took no disciplinary action, but after a Video Assistant Referee review upgraded the decision to a straight red card.
The challenge appeared accidental, but Balogun’s dismissal left the hosts to play the remainder of the knockout match with 10 men.
For a brief period, the sending-off threatened to overshadow an otherwise impressive performance and evoked memories of Tim Weah’s red card against Panama at the 2024 Copa America, when the United States collapsed and exited the tournament in the group stage.
This time, however, Mauricio Pochettino’s side responded differently.
The Americans remained organised defensively, absorbed Bosnia’s pressure and still carried an attacking threat before Malik Tillman sealed victory with a late free kick.
“We had to dig deep for that one,” captain Christian Pulisic said.
“Obviously, I felt we put on such a good performance and didn’t deserve the red card. I mean, I didn’t see it, but it’s unfortunate.
“But for us to dig in deep, get another goal and defend the way we did, it took a real team effort, and we’re proud of that.”
Balogun’s performance encapsulated both his growing importance and the frustration of suspension.
His third goal of the tournament reinforced his status as the focal point of the U.S. attack, but his dismissal means he will watch from the stands as the co-hosts take on Belgium for a place in the quarter-finals.
The United States coped without him on Wednesday. Against Belgium, they will have to do so from the opening whistle.
