Belgium's Red Devils have made a triumphant return to the World Cup quarter-finals, dispatching the United States 4-1 in a match that was marred by controversy. The team's victory was bittersweet, however, as they sought revenge for what they perceived as a gross injustice off the field. US striker Folarin Balogun had been initially handed a red card in the team's previous match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA's decision to suspend the card allowed him to play in the crucial match against Belgium. The move sparked outrage among international soccer authorities, with UEFA calling it "incomprehensible and unjustifiable" after it was revealed that former US President Donald Trump had lobbied for the decision.
Red Devils beat USA to advance to World Cup last-eightTeam had been angered by suspension of red cardFor Belgium, Monday’s 4-1 victory over the United States was doubly sweet. They advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals, as well as overcoming what they saw as injustice off the field.The buildup to the match had been tinged with controversy after Fifa had suspended the red card US striker Folarin Balogun was given in the last 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. That meant Balogun was free to play against Belgium instead of serving a one-match ban. When it emerged that Donald Trump had lobbied for Balogun’s red card to be overturned, Belgium – and other nations – were outraged: Uefa called the decision “incomprehensible and unjustifiable”. Continue reading...
