Striker has been the co-hosts’ best player but a red card against Bosnia rules him out of last-16 tie
Folarin Balogun says he will focus on supporting his USA teammates rather than dwelling on Fifa’s decision to suspend him for one game.
The striker will miss his side’s World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium after receiving a one-match ban for the red card he was shown against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Fifa confirmed on Friday that Balogun would receive no additional suspension, meaning he would be available again if USA reach the quarter-finals.
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of Wednesday’s victory after scoring the opening goal before a challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic was judged worthy of a red card.
USA managed to secure a 2-0 win despite playing with 10 men for more than half an hour, Malik Tillman shoring up their advantage with a late freekick.
Balogun admitted the days since the match have been difficult but said he wanted to set the right example in the way he responded.
“It’s been a roller coaster,” Balogun said. “There’s been lots of different emotions. I’ve been upset. I’ve been happy. It’s been surreal, to be honest.
“But for me, I think it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion. There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring, little kids, boys and girls who are watching, and we have to show them the correct way to handle things even when you think it’s unjust.
“So I felt I did that. And as I said, I’m happy with the support, not just I’m receiving, but the team. And I think we’re all looking forward to seeing what we can do against Belgium.”
The former Arsenal forward maintained that the incident should have been judged differently. The sending off was slightly controversial after it appeared that Balogun’s challenge was more of an accident than any intentional foul play.
“If you played the game, you would understand there’s scenarios that you simply can’t avoid and it has to be taken into context when it’s being reviewed,” Balogun said.
“I felt it wasn’t on this occasion, but I think as you all saw, there’s nowhere else to put your leg, it’s going to be unavoidable.
“So yeah, I’ve seen many different opinions and takes, but for me personally, I think a yellow card would have been fair and it’s something that’s happened so we have to move forward and I have to accept it.
“But the most important thing is just to focus on the bigger picture, which is Belgium.”
Balogun said he had not spoken to fellow forwards Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright about replacing him in the starting lineup because he did not want to place extra pressure on either player.
“My intention is 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.
“So I think my role is just to continue to support everybody, to keep morale high. And I’m sure for the game against Belgium, we can really create a great atmosphere.”
