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Balogun controversy had little impact on Belgium team, says coach
🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

Balogun controversy had little impact on Belgium team, says coach

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia stated that the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's suspension had minimal impact on his team's 4-1 victory over the United States.
  • Garcia emphasized that Belgium's focus remained on their game plan, aiming to dominate, avoid the opponent's press, and play higher up the field.
  • He also suggested that past scars from Belgium's 5-2 friendly win over the U.S. might have affected the American team's performance.

Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia asserted that the swirling controversy around Folarin Balogun's suspension had little bearing on his team's decisive 4-1 World Cup victory over the United States. Garcia dismissed the notion that the affair was used to motivate his players, stating their focus was solely on executing their game plan.

No, it wasn't at all necessary. What really mattered to us was our game plan. We wanted to dominate the game, avoid their pressing and play higher up. We played with mastery, with willingness and dedication. It was a great night for us and a great qualification for the quarter-finals.

— Rudi GarciaWhen asked if the Balogun controversy was used to motivate his players.

"What really mattered to us was our game plan," Garcia said at the post-match press conference. "We wanted to dominate the game, avoid their pressing and play higher up. We played with mastery, with willingness and dedication. It was a great night for us and a great qualification for the quarter-finals."

The U.S. attacker's inclusion had been in question after FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban for a probationary period, despite a red card in a previous match. U.S. President Donald Trump had reportedly asked for the decision to be reviewed, creating international controversy. Garcia confirmed his squad was informed but remained mature and focused.

We told them about what was happening. The group is very mature. We have leaders to help us go through that.

— Rudi GarciaOn informing the team about the Balogun affair.

Garcia, who had previously criticized FIFA's decision, noted that Balogun approached him after the game. "He came to talk to me. I really liked that. It's not his fault. He's not the one to blame. And that's what I told him," Garcia said, appreciating the gesture. He also hinted that Belgium's earlier 5-2 friendly win against the U.S. might have lingered in the American players' minds during the match.

He came to talk to me. I really liked that. It's not his fault. He's not the one to blame. And that's what I told him. I really appreciate that he came to see me.

— Rudi GarciaAbout Folarin Balogun approaching him after the game.

Looking ahead, Belgium faces Spain in the quarter-finals, but will be without midfielder Amadou Onana, who sustained a knee injury. Garcia described the injury as a potentially serious setback, expressing concern for the player while remaining focused on advancing in the tournament.

At some points of the game you got the feeling that was in their heads.

— Rudi GarciaSuggesting past results affected the U.S. team.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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