‘Overturn this’: victorious Belgium throw barb after Balogun red-card controversy

Belgium's 4-1 victory over the United States on Monday was doubly satisfying: they advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals and also appeared to settle a score over a pre-match controversy. FIFA had overturned the red card given to US striker Folarin Balogun in the round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing him to play against Belgium instead of serving a ban. When it emerged that US President Donald Trump had lobbied for the decision, Belgium and other nations were outraged – UEFA called it “incomprehensible and unjustifiable”.

After the match, Belgium’s official social media channels quickly posted: “Overturn this,” alongside images of goal celebrations. Captain Youri Tielemans said the controversy had motivated the team. “Let’s be honest: we held a meeting when we heard the news. We told ourselves we needed to do our talking on the pitch. That’s what we did today. I’m very proud of the team.”

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois highlighted a perceived “lack of respect” from the US side in recent days. “People said they could easily beat us, but I think we’ve just proven today that we really are a good team. We’re playing a great match.” Midfielder Nicolas Raskin echoed that sentiment: “I think there was always a justice somewhere in life … the fact that something can happen like that, you can put it all you want, but we don’t think that was fair. And today, I think it just brings us a little bit of luck. We needed to win the game.”

Manager Rudi Garcia, however, downplayed the row as a motivator. “No, it wasn’t needed or necessary … what really mattered to us is our game plan.” He added that he spoke with Balogun after the final whistle. “He came to talk to me, I really like that. … It’s not his fault, he’s not the one to blame and that’s what I told him.” Belgium will face Spain on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.