Beyond the final result, there was a distinct shift in the team’s display.
Pochettino had moved them past a timid outlook, instilling a confident, almost brash approach earlier in the competition. Their attacking play was so compelling that supporters genuinely began to feel their side could defy expectations and win the entire tournament.
“We’re going to win the World Cup,” one fan boldly claimed before the match, a sentiment echoed by many who had gathered outside the Seattle Stadium hours prior to the opening whistle.
Many were also thrilled that their red-hot forward, Balogun, was eligible to play after a direct red card for a challenge on Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemovic in the prior round.
The global governing body made the surprising move to put the automatic one-match suspension on hold for 12 months, drawing heavy fire from various quarters, including the European football confederation, the Belgian national team, and England manager Thomas Tuchel.
The controversy reached the highest levels of the US government, with President Donald Trump stating on Monday that he had requested a review of the call because he “didn’t think it was a foul”.
Balogun, who had found the net three times in the World Cup, was in the starting lineup against Belgium but found it difficult to influence the game.
When asked later if his player had been distracted by being at the center of the pre-match storm, US head coach Pochettino responded: “It didn’t affect our performance. It’s not an excuse. It simply wasn’t our day.
“But on a human level, what is the purpose of being subjected to insults or a flood of negative comments?
“The rule is there for the federation to apply and to try [to overturn the suspension]. My job was to prepare the team. If Balogun is available because the governing body permits you to use the player, it’s not an issue.
“I feel let down by many people. They prioritize politics and manipulation, speaking of ethics and integrity. When we consider the history of this game, I am personally disappointed.”
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia disclosed that Balogun sought him out immediately following the final whistle.
“He came over to speak with me,” he said. “I truly appreciated that gesture. This situation isn’t his doing, he’s not the one at fault, and that’s exactly what I told him.”
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