After all the drama… Balogun’s controversial FIFA suspension ends in heartbreak at the World Cup with little impact

Folarin Balogun chases the ball during the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. (AP photo) After days of intense debate, political intervention and unprecedented controversy over the overturning of a red card custodial sentence, Folarin Balogun’s return to the United States squad ended with little to show for it as Belgium stormed to a convincing 4-1 victory in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 on Monday.Balogun, whose availability dominated global soccer headlines after FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban, struggled to influence proceedings as the Americans crashed out of the tournament. The Monaco forward went goalless and managed just 10 touches in the first half – the fewest of any player on the pitch at this stage – in a performance that contrasted sharply with the attention surrounding his reinstatement.The defeat also extended a painful trend for the United States, who have now been knocked out in the round of 16 in six of their seven appearances at this stage of the FIFA World Cup, including each of their last four knockout appearances.

A single free kick is his only major asset

Balogun’s most meaningful involvement came in the 31st minute when he was brought down by Belgium defender Brandon Mechele about 25 yards from goal. Malik Tillman curled the resulting free kick into the net to briefly tie the score at 1-1.Moments before the break, Balogun tried to rally the home crowd by waving his arms towards the stands, but Belgium quickly gained control and restored their advantage just over a minute later.The United States repeatedly looked to exploit Balogun’s pace behind the Belgian defence, but the striker found goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in inspired form. His best chance came in the 82nd minute, only for Courtois to deny his effort with his left foot. Balogun was eventually substituted for Haji Wright in second-half stoppage time.READ ALSO: Romelu Lukaku scripted a unique piece of World Cup history with a super-sub performance as Belgium ended the USA dream

From the FIFA storm to a quiet exit

Balogun’s participation overshadowed the rise after FIFA took the extraordinary step of suspending his automatic one-match ban following his sending-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.The forward was shown a red card after Brazilian referee Raphael Claus reviewed an incident in which Balogun stepped on an opponent’s ankle, automatically ruling him out of the Belgium clash.However, following a phone call between US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s disciplinary committee invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code to suspend the sanction for a one-year probationary period. Balogun remained eligible to play but was fined $40,000, a fine that could be paid by the U.S. Soccer Federation.The decision drew widespread criticism across football. UEFA accused FIFA of “crossing a red line”, Belgium challenged Balogun’s eligibility and supporters chanted “FIFA Mafia” during their march to Seattle’s Lumen Field before kick-off.Balogun reached the knockout stages after enjoying a memorable tournament, scoring three goals to tie Landon Donovan’s tally from the 2010 World Cup—jointly the second American in a single season behind Bert Patenaude’s four in 1930. He also became the first U.S. player since Patenaude to score twice in a World Cup game.But after days of unprecedented controversy and global scrutiny, Balogun’s much-discussed return ultimately proved to be a blink of an eye as Belgium comfortably ended the United States’ hopes of a domestic World Cup fairytale.