Folarin Balogun Red Card: USA Striker Joins Rare FIFA World Cup Knockout List

Folarin Balogun red card became one of the biggest talking points after the USA striker scored before being sent off in his side’s 2-0 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Thursday.

Balogun struck for the United States before referee dismissed him after he stepped on the ankle of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic during the second half.

The 24-year-old has now become only the fourth player to score and receive a red card in a FIFA World Cup knockout match. The others are Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup final, Ronaldinho in the 2002 World Cup quarter-final and Garrincha in the 1962 World Cup semi-final.

However, USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino defended his striker after the match. He insisted the incident was accidental and did not deserve a dismissal.

“Balogun? Never intentional, never a red card,” Pochettino said.

“Watching it after on TV, it was never the intention to step onto the player. It’s a normal action in football that happens by accident.”

Nevertheless, the Folarin Balogun red card has sparked debate over the referee’s decision despite the USA progressing comfortably to the next round. The incident also places Balogun alongside three World Cup greats in one of football’s rarest statistical records.