US Coach Pochettino Rages Over Balogun Red Card in World Cup Win

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino lauded his team's resilience after securing a 2-0 victory over Bosnia with 10 men, but strongly contested the red card shown to forward Folarin Balogun. The win propels the U.S. into the World Cup round of 16, where they will face Belgium.

“

It's difficult to describe our feeling, because I think they were amazing, and (there is) no easy game in the World Cup.

Pochettino described his players as "amazing" and highlighted the team's growing maturity over the past five to six weeks. However, Balogun's dismissal for what Pochettino deemed "accidental" contact will force him to miss the crucial match against Belgium. Balogun received a second yellow card for planting his foot on an opponent's ankle after scoring his third goal of the tournament.

“

Never was this a red card. Watching it on TV, never was there intention to step (on) the player. That was a normal action in football. That happened by accident and it's never intentional. That is why for me it was never a red card.

While Bosnia's coach, Sergej Barbarez, found the decision fair after a VAR review, Pochettino vehemently disagreed. "Never was this a red card. Watching it on TV, never was there intention to step (on) the player," he stated. "That was a normal action in football. That happened by accident and it's never intentional."

“

But he's also happy because we qualified... He needs to understand that this type of situation happens.

Balogun expressed disappointment but also happiness for the team's qualification. Pochettino acknowledged the player's feelings, stating, "He needs to understand that this type of situation happens." The coach expressed hope that Balogun would be available for future matches. Pochettino also became the first U.S. men's coach to win three World Cup matches, celebrating with fans after the final whistle. The U.S. secured the win with a goal from Balogun and a free-kick from Malik Tillman following the red card.

“

It was amazing, Malik is an amazing player, full of talent. We knew that he has that talent to do the free kick ... to do what he did. So happy for him.