USA v Belgium LIVE: Hosts crash out of World Cup despite controversial Balogun involvement
After Donald Trump called the Fifa president to have Balogun’s red-card ban suspended, the USA striker could prove vital in a tough last-16 test
Belgium vs USA has an extra dimension tonight, beyond it pitting one of Europe’s strongest sides against one of the World Cup co-hosts.
After US president Donald Trump called Fifa boss Gianni Infantino and managed to have Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban suspended, the USA striker is set to feature in Seattle.
And he could be crucial here, having scored three goals in three games, including in USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina in the last 32. For all the criticism of the decision to send Balogun off in that game, there has been even greater outrage at Fifa’s move to delay his ban by a year.
That is the backdrop as Belgium aim to live up to their status as one of the most-talented outfits in the tournament – a status they have not underlined with their results so far, including in the last 32, when they needed a miraculous comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 at the death.
Follow all the action from the World Cup last-16 game below:
Trump labels FIFA referee ‘very suspect’ as he reveals what he said about Balogun red card call to Infantino for Team USA
Belgium ‘set to appeal Fifa’s decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban’ hours before clash with USA
When do yellow cards reset at the World Cup? All the England players on bookings before Norway game
FULL-TIME! USA 1-4 Belgium
Belgium will face Spain on Friday evening. The USA are, well, not going home... but no longer a feature in this tournament beyond being hosts.
GOAL! USA 1-4 Belgium (Lukaku 93)
That adds insult to injury. The big man is off dancing with his teammates by the corner flag after swishing into the bottom right corner. It comes from another cheap give away by Richards, who dawdles when playing it out from the back.
USA 1-3 Belgium
92’ - Wright and Arfsten are on for Balogun and Robinson. Token changes and nothing more.
USA 1-3 Belgium
89’ - Trossard and Raskin are replaced by Witsel and Saelemaekers for the final few minutes.
USA 1-3 Belgium
88’ - Could Belgium frustrate Spain? I think so. Can they finally beat Unai Simon? I doubt it. That should make for a fascinating clash on Friday evening.
USA 1-3 Belgium
84’ - Onana has reappeared on the sidelines using crutches and with his right knee in a brace.
USA 1-3 Belgium
82’ - Balogun gets some space to run into but his shot is well stopped by Courtois.
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