Fifa has released a pair of statements in the wake of its change in handling Folarin Balogun’s red-card punishment. The latest is a 13-point defense of its operation, distancing itself from the influence of Donald Trump and adding a $40,000 fine to Balogun’s bill. Capology estimates that Balogun earns $70,856 (€61,923) per week with AS Monaco.
“Under Article 27 of the [Fifa Disciplinary Code], the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has the discretion to suspend the implementation of any disciplinary measures so long as they do not relate to match manipulation—which, of course, did not occur here. … Said suspension of the implementation was decided considering all of the specific circumstances surrounding the incident and evidence available.”
Ella Brockway
We could see another record viewership for this World Cup version of Monday night football…
The United States’ last-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina had an average of 24.429 million viewers on Fox, making it the most-watched English-language soccer broadcast in US history. The Fox telecast peaked at 31.883 million. Telemundo, which holds the Spanish language rights to World Cup broadcasts in the US, reported 9.1 million viewers over the total game window.
This year’s NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs – which had their highest audience in nearly three decades – averaged an audience of 20.5 million, with Game 5 averaging 24.5 million and peaking at 33 million. The final game of last year’s World Series averaged 27.3 million viewers in the US.
Pablo Iglesias Maurer
As we prepare for our fifth US match, it has to be stressed: the red-and-white, “wavy flag” themed kits the USMNT have sported this summer are quite possibly the most popular shirts the US has ever worn. They are absolutely, positively everywhere, seen in far greater numbers than the other fan favorites of the past — the “Waldos,” the “Bomb Pops,” etc …
Ironically, the second-most frequently spotted kits this summer are easily Adidas’ old “Denim Kits” from 1994, which were always a curiosity to see in years past. Adidas re-released them ahead of this summer’s tournament, and they’ve sold thousands upon thousands of them. You love to see it.
Alexander Abnos
It must be said: it’s an absolutely gorgeous day here in the Pacific Northwest. It’s warm – but not too warm – and bright – but not too bright. There’s a pleasant breeze coming in off the Puget Sound. The pre-match gatherings outside are lively and the concourses are already teeming with people hours before kickoff.
A perfect day for a game.
Jeff Rueter
Prelude
From the moment the United States secured a place in the last-16, the prevailing narrative seemed to focus on a chance for redemption. Belgium prevailed when these teams met at an identical stage of 2014, with Romelu Lukaku running rampant through Jürgen Klinsmann’s team as Tim Howard put in a performance for the ages to try keeping his team in the match.
Sunday threw everyone a shock as reports emerged that Fifa had elected to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban that customarily accompanies a red-card ejection. As the day progressed, the tone of the discourse shifted from one of justice being served – it really was more of a yellow-card offense, most admitted from the moment of contact – to growing unease about the manner of the about-face. Not only was this a break from generations-long custom, but it was done in a way that reeked of entitlement. No matter how strongly Donald Trump was able to twist Gianni Infantino’s arm, the crack team of lawyers assembled by US Soccer took an unprecedented step to pore through Fifa’s rulebook for loopholes. Not very sporting, is it.
In truth, Mauricio Pochettino – who stressed he had no knowledge of US Soccer’s machinations in his Sunday press availability – could have gotten his team up for a result against this Belgium side without the legal defense. The United States have been one of the most in-form sides at this World Cup, enthralling in attack and unexpectedly sound with their defensive structure. Belgium arrives in a weakened state than it was in 2014, lacking a clear attacking focal point and failing to turn considerable possession into dangerous chances.
Whether Balogun starts or not will undoubtedly be the main narrative once the lineups drop in an hour or so. Until then, let’s catch up on all of our coverage from the last few days – both about the relitigated red card and on-field matters.
Beau will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s a look at this matchup from Graham Ruthven’s daily guide:
What to watch for
The USA are playing like a Pochettino team. Their attacking verve and energy have made the co-hosts one of the most exciting sides to watch at this World Cup, although defeat to Belgium would prompt a sense of deja vu after last-16 exits in 2010, 2014 and 2022.
Belgium got the better of the USA at the same stage of the 2014 World Cup, but the country’s so-called golden generation has faded (or altogether disappeared) since then. Rudi Garcia’s side have toiled throughout this summer’s tournament and can’t be relied upon to create goalscoring opportunities. This is a big chance for the USA.
Player to watch: Folarin Balogun, USA – After his one-game red-card ban was suspended by Fifa, Balogun will once again be the USA’s biggest threat in the attacking third. The Monaco striker is enjoying a breakout tournament.
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