Suspended Balogun focused on supporting US team in clash with Belgium

Seattle, July 3 – United States forward Folarin Balogun described his red card during the World Cup's round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina as a harsh and unintentional decision. The Monaco forward, who scored the U.S.'s early goal in the game, was sent off in the second half for accidental contact with Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic.

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It's been a rollercoaster, there's been lots of different emotions.

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino criticized the red card, and Balogun echoed that sentiment, calling the incident unavoidable. "I don't think it was the correct call. I think a yellow card would have been fair," Balogun told reporters. He added that the experience had been a "rollercoaster" of emotions, calling NBA star LeBron James' reaction to his celebration a "surreal moment."

Despite his suspension for the upcoming last-16 game against Belgium, Balogun insisted he would still play a role in supporting the team. "Just to support the boys, support the team," he said. "I love seeing how engaged the country is in our journey and what we're doing. I think my role is just to continue to support everybody, to keep morale high."

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It's important for me to say, obviously, first and foremost, it was totally unintentional, which I'm sure a lot of people know. I don't think it was the correct call. I think a yellow card would have been fair.

The U.S. squad appeared in high spirits during training, with defender Tim Ream even impressing at the plate during a relaxed baseball game at a nearby ballpark.

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Just to support the boys, support the team. I love seeing how engaged the country is in our journey and what we're doing. I think my role is just to continue to support everybody, to keep morale high.