FIFA suspended the one-game red card ban of U. S.
men's national team striker Falarin Balogun on Sunday, clearing him to play in Monday's World Cup round-of-16 knockout match against Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle.
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The surprise decision reverses a suspension Balogun received after a video review during the round of 32 for stepping on the ankle of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemovic.
News of the reversal reached American players via social media while traveling on the team bus to a training session at the University of Washington.
Balogun remains the most effective attacking player for the United States in the tournament, having scored twice against Paraguay, forced an own goal against Australia, and scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
His return alters tactical preparations for both teams. Balogun entered the tournament following an 11-goal club season with Monaco in France's Ligue 1.
"Obviously for us, it gives us a boost," said Christian Pulisic, U. S.
star.
The American attackers had previously trained under multiple tactical scenarios throughout the week, including lineups that did not feature Balogun.
"Balo is always available," said Pulisic.
"I feel like when I have the ball, when others have the ball, he's making runs, he's so strong, he's quick, and he does a lot of good things.
So, for us to play with a guy like that, it just … it makes it easy."
U. S.
teammates expressed immediate relief regarding the depth of the roster, which previously relied on Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright as alternative forward options.
