USA march on but will Balogun red card prove costly?

Mauricio Pochettino's USA side set up a World Cup last-16 meeting with Belgium, but how costly will forward Folarin Balogun's red card prove?

The United States national team secured their place in the World Cup knockout stage with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in their final group match, setting up a last-16 clash against Belgium. However, the win was overshadowed by a red card shown to striker Folarin Balogun in the 78th minute, which could have significant implications for the team's prospects. Balogun was sent off for a dangerous tackle, lunging in with both feet off the ground. The decision left the USA with ten men for the remainder of the match, and the opposition capitalized by equalizing shortly after. Fortunately, substitute Timothy Weah scored the winner in the 85th minute to secure the victory, but the incident has raised concerns about the team's depth and discipline. For manager Mauricio Pochettino, Balogun's red card disrupts his tactical plans. The Argentine had intended to start Balogun as the central striker against Belgium, relying on his pace and physicality to trouble the Belgian defense. With Balogun now suspended for the next match, Pochettino must find an alternative. Options include veteran Josh Sargent or young Ricardo Pepi, both of whom have yet to score in the tournament. The USA's group stage performance was mixed: a 1-1 draw with Wales, a goalless stalemate against Iran, and the narrow win in the final match. They scored only three goals in three games, highlighting their offensive struggles. Balogun, while not scoring, contributed with his movement and ability to create space, which will be missed against a strong Belgian side. Belgium, despite an inconsistent group stage, boast world-class talents like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. The USA will need to be defensively solid and efficient on the counterattack. Without Balogun, the team may rely more on midfielders like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie to provide goals, but both have been inconsistent in front of goal. Historically, the USA faced Belgium in the 2014 World Cup round of 16, losing 2-1 in a memorable match. The current squad is different, but the challenge remains similar. Pochettino will need to adjust his tactics, possibly using a more defensive setup or a false nine to compensate for the missing striker. If the USA can overcome Belgium, Balogun would be available for the quarterfinals, offering a potential boost. However, the immediate focus is on navigating the last-16 tie without a key player. The red card could prove costly if the team fails to advance, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and make a name for themselves on the world stage.

USA march on but will Balogun red card prove costly?

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