It looked like Balogun scored the first goal of the 2-0 win early in the Bay Area, and he immediately celebrated by hitting LeBron James’ iconic “Silencer” celebration.
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But the goal was overturned and ruled offside instead, voiding the celebration moment.
Balogun didn’t let it get to his head, though, and scored the first goal of the match later in the half. After netting the 45th-minute goal to put the U.S. up 1-0 early, the striker hit the “Silencer” celebration for the second time, though this time after an official goal.It did not go unnoticed, either. The King himself gave Balogun props.
James wasn’t the only person who appreciated the score. It sent the home fans into a raucous celebration, and that emotion transferred around the various watch parties supporting Team USA.
But in the second half, it was a very different story.
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Folarin Balogun given red card in second half
Midway through the second half, Balogun was sent off with a red card after he committed a foul and stepped on the ankle of Tarik Muharemovic.
Balogun was thrown out of the game after a review. That meant that the United States had to finish the rest of the game with 10 players, and Balogun will be ineligible to play in the Round of 16.
Balogun is now just the fourth player to both score a goal and receive a red card in a World Cup knockout match, and the first since Zinedinie Zidane did so with France in 2006.
Naturally, fans watching at home were livid with the decision.
But even while they were down a man, the United States managed to score again later in the second half. Malik Tillman found the back of the net in the 82nd minute, which put the United States up 2-0. That was enough to seal the win and send the United States to the Round of 16, where they’ll take on Belgium in Seattle on Monday.
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Balogun won’t be able to play in that match. But he got the United States to their first knockout round win since 2002. That has to help after his early exit.
