United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has strongly criticised the decision to send off striker Folarin Balogun during the USA’s FIFA World Cup victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, insisting the challenge “should never” have resulted in a red card.
Balogun was dismissed following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review during Wednesday’s knockout-stage encounter, a decision that means the in-form forward will miss the United States’ Round of 16 clash against Belgium due to an automatic one-match suspension.
The controversial incident has sparked debate over the interpretation of dangerous play, with both Pochettino and team captain Christian Pulisic arguing that the contact was accidental rather than deliberate.
VAR Review Leads to Controversial Dismissal
The incident occurred in the 64th minute with the United States leading 2-0 after Balogun had opened the scoring earlier in the match.
As both players challenged for possession, Balogun’s foot came down on the back of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic’s foot.
The American striker also appeared to suffer an injury in the collision.
Initially, play continued before the referee was instructed to review the incident using the pitchside monitor following advice from the VAR team.
Slow-motion replays showed Balogun’s outstretched boot landing awkwardly on Muharemovic’s turning ankle, prompting the referee to issue a straight red card despite protests from the US players.
Pochettino Defends His Striker
Speaking after the match, Pochettino made it clear that he believed the dismissal was excessively harsh.
“For me, never is a red card,” the former Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea manager said.
“It never was his intention to step on the player.”
Pochettino argued that the incident was part of a normal contest for the ball rather than an act of violent conduct.
“It was a normal action in football, that you are fighting for the ball, and your feet land,” he said.
“Maybe it was a little bit tough, the scene, to watch. But I think it never was intentional.”
The Argentine coach suggested that while the replay may have made the challenge appear more serious, intent should have been considered before the decision was made.
Pulisic Also Questions the Decision
United States captain Christian Pulisic also expressed disappointment with the referee’s ruling.
The AC Milan forward said Balogun did not deserve to be sent off and described the decision as unfortunate.
Pulisic’s comments echoed growing frustration within the American camp over losing one of the team’s most dangerous attacking players ahead of a crucial knockout fixture.
Automatic Suspension Confirmed
Under FIFA’s disciplinary regulations, a player shown a straight red card is automatically suspended for the team’s next match.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that Balogun’s suspension cannot be appealed, meaning he will be unavailable for the last-16 meeting with Belgium next week.
Pochettino acknowledged that while he believed an appeal would have been fair, the coaching staff must now prepare alternative plans.
“We have to think about different options,” he said.
Pepi Set to Fill the Void
Balogun’s absence could open the door for Ricardo Pepi to lead the American attack against Belgium.
The PSV Eindhoven striker previously started when Balogun was rested during the United States’ final group-stage match against Turkey.
Pepi is expected to be the leading candidate to replace the suspended forward if Pochettino opts for a like-for-like change.
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Balogun Enjoying Outstanding Tournament
Despite the setback, Balogun has been one of the standout performers for the United States during the tournament.
The striker, who was born in New York, raised in England and now plays for French club Monaco, has scored three goals at this World Cup.
He netted twice in the tournament opener against Paraguay before adding another goal in Wednesday’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
His tally leaves him just two goals short of Landon Donovan’s record of five World Cup goals for the United States men’s national team.
Pochettino said Balogun was naturally disappointed by the dismissal but remained encouraged after the team secured qualification for the knockout stage.
“He’s very disappointed, because I think it was an action that was unintentional. But also he’s happy because we qualified,” Pochettino said.
“That is football. He needs to understand that this type of situation happens.”
The coach added that he hopes the United States can progress beyond Belgium so Balogun will be available again later in the tournament.
With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, the Americans must now attempt to overcome one of Europe’s strongest teams without one of their most influential attacking players.
AFP