Belgium secured a 4-1 victory over the United States on Monday to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals, but the match was overshadowed by controversy over the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun's red card. The Belgian team used their official social media channels after the win to post 'Overturn this' alongside images of their goal celebrations, a direct barb at the decision that allowed Balogun to play.
Controversy over Balogun's red card
The buildup to the match was marked by anger after Fifa suspended the red card Balogun received in the last 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, meaning he avoided a one-match ban. The decision came after US President Donald Trump reportedly lobbied for the red card to be overturned, sparking outrage from Belgium and other nations. Uefa called the move 'incomprehensible and unjustifiable'.
Belgium's motivation and reaction
Belgium's captain, Youri Tielemans, admitted the controversy motivated the team. 'Let's be honest: we held a meeting when we heard the news. We told ourselves we needed to do our talking on the pitch. That's what we did today. I'm very proud of the team,' he said after the game. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois added that the team faced a 'lack of respect' from the US in recent days. 'People said they could easily beat us, but I think we've just proven today that we really are a good team,' he said.
Players focused on the game
Winger Dodi Lukébakio said the team was aware of the incident but did not let it distract them. 'We didn't understand really why he was allowed to play, because he got the red card, but we didn't want to go too much into it, we wanted to be focused and to play our game, and that's what we did today,' he explained. Midfielder Nicolas Raskin echoed the sentiment, saying, 'I think there was always a justice somewhere in life and the fact that something can happen like that, you can put it all you want, but we don't think that was fair. And today, I think it just brings us a little bit of luck. We needed to win the game and the message throughout.'
Manager downplays controversy
Manager Rudi Garcia played down the row, stating it was not needed or necessary for motivation. 'What really mattered to us is our gameplan,' he said. Garcia also revealed he spoke with Balogun after the final whistle. 'He came to talk to me, I really like that. … It's not his fault, he's not the one to blame and that's what I told him.'
Next match: Spain
Belgium will now face Spain on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.
