Team USA won their game on Wednesday night, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This is the second time this team has won the playoffs in the history of this team in the World Cup.
While many US soccer fans celebrated the victory, referee Raphael Claus severely interrupted the celebrations due to the red card given to Team USA striker Folarin Balogun. Fans took to the internet to express their displeasure with the referee’s decision, which required a VAR review.
The red card was issued in the 64th minute of the game, making the win more challenging for Team America. The team eventually pulled out the win, but there are other red card consequences that could affect Team USA’s chances in the Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday.
So, what does all this mean for Team USA? Here’s a recap of the positive online reaction to Balogun’s red card.
What is a red card?
Yellow cards and red cards are issued by referees to maintain the rules of the game.
Yellow cards serve as a warning, while red cards are issued for serious, more serious violations.
What happens if a player receives a red card?
If a player receives a red card, he is sent off and his team is forced to play with a man down. In the case of Team USA, Balogun had to leave the game and the USA needed to play the remaining game with ten players compared to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 11 players.
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In addition, a player given a red card is suspended from the team’s next match. Team USA will be able to play with 11 on the field against Belgium, but Balogun will not be able to play.
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Why are American fans upset?
First, the red card was considered controversial.
In the 64th minute of the game, Balogun and Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic both appeared to be looking for the ball. Balogun and Muharemovic clashed, Balogun’s cleat stepping on Muharemovic’s ankle as both players fell to the ground.
Commentators and former FIFA officials have shared their opinions on whether Balogun deserved a red card, and there doesn’t seem to be much consensus. Some agree that it was a red herring, others disagree.
Furthermore, the contact appeared accidental as both Balogun and the Bosnia and Herzegovina player went for the ball. Furthermore, the Reds didn’t even issue a yellow card in the first place and needed a VAR check before issuing any card. After a review, the referee considered the incident “very serious” and issued a red card.
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Balogun was the top scorer for Team USA with three goals in three games he played. Not having him on the field against Belgium certainly puts Team USA at a disadvantage.
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Some fans were upset by what they saw as unequal refereeing throughout the tournament. A common example used by fans is when Messi seems to make the same mistake in group matches. Messi was not called for a foul and did not receive a red or yellow card.
Can a ref’s red card decision be appealed?
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The red card and subsequent suspension cannot be appealed, according to FIFA.
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To make matters worse, FIFA could review the mistake and decide to suspend Balogun for further matches. This has happened in one World Cup game this year when FIFA extended a red card to a Qatari player five games after a foul play resulted in the Canadian player breaking his leg.
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For now, however, Team USA is focused on its round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday.
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