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1 hour ago
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The United States might beat Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16.
They might do it with Folarin Balogun playing. They might do it without him.
But no matter the result on the scoreboard for the USMNT, this isn't going to feel like your garden-variety victory.
No matter what, this will feel a bit weird.
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The negatives of USA saga with Folarin Balogun
Let's start with a win where Balogun is on the pitch.
In a way, it would feel a bit tainted. Why, for the first time in 64 years, was a red-card suspension avoided at the World Cup? The rest of the world would see it as a fluky U.S. win helped by a bizarre FIFA decision.
If the U.S. loses with Balogun, it's even worse.
The haters would point out that FIFA tried to help and it didn't even do enough.
The United States could have Balogun ruled out by appeal, or simply have him not up to speed to play, and win without him. That's probably the least objectionable outcome.
A loss without Balogun would feel brutal simply because the red card did feel harsh, and missing him for this massive game would be a bummer.
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For sure, it was a controversial decision, and one that the U.S. would gladly have done without. But once it was made, Mauricio Pochettino and company were preparing to play without Balogun.
The whole situation got weird with FIFA's overturn on Sunday before the Monday night match, and it's set up to leave an odd taste in everyone's mouth almost no matter which way this concludes in the end.
Belgium is feeling ripped off, the U.S. is feeling fortunate, but the result on the field will also go a long way toward determining how everyone feels about this in the long run.
English (US)