Belgium on Monday comfortably defeated the USA 4-1 in the World Cup last-16, ending one of the tournament’s co-hosts’ World Cup campaigns.
Folarin Balogun was getting global attention even before the match began.
He was suspended for the previous game, for receiving a red card, but FIFA lifted the ban after a review requested by the US President, Donald Trump.
The announcement led to one of the biggest controversies among football fans and experts, with Balogun’s return being a major topic of discussion ahead of the match.
Even with the pre-match controversy, Belgium was in control on the pitch. A pass from fellow player Nicolas Raskin to Charles De Ketelaere gave him the opportunity to put his team ahead in the ninth minute.
More than 67,000 people had been cheering in support of the home side, but that was quelled by the early goal.
After a foul that was just outside Belgium’s penalty area, the United States scored the game-tying goal when Tillman hit a free kick into the back of the net midway through the first half.
Read more: Iran leave emotional locker-room letter after WC draw with Belgium
But Belgium was only a few minutes away from the lead again with their second goal of the game, a pass from Leandro Trossard.
The Americans were attacking again in the second half but the goalkeeper Matt Freese made a costly mistake.
He was hesitant to get hold of the ball, and Belgium got the ball back and Hans Vanaken put it into the empty net.
It was not long after that when US captain Christian Pulisic then got injured, further denting his side’s fortunes.
A late defensive error brought Belgium’s fourth goal late in the contest, putting the Red Devils up for a convincing victory with veteran Belgium attacker Romelu Lukaku.
Belgium will now play Spain in the quarter-finals, while the United States will be eliminated in the round of 16.
Also read: Iran earn valuable point against Belgium in 0-0 draw
