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Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin says his side channelled its frustration over FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic World Cup ban into a dominant victory over the United States.
The Red Devils defeated the tournament co-hosts 4-1 in their Round of 16 clash in Seattle on Monday, advancing to the quarter-finals despite the controversy that overshadowed the build-up to the match.
Players admit controversy fuelled motivation
Balogun had been expected to miss the fixture after receiving a straight red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina. However, FIFA suspended his mandatory one-match ban for 12 months, making the striker eligible to face Belgium.
The decision drew criticism from several quarters, including UEFA, Belgium officials and England manager Thomas Tuchel. US President Donald Trump also confirmed he personally asked FIFA to review the suspension.
Belgium midfielder Raskin admitted the ruling created extra motivation within the squad.
“A lot has happened off the pitch over the last two days. There was a sense of injustice within the squad, and we were determined to respond on the field.”
Captain Youri Tielemans echoed that sentiment.
“We told ourselves we had to respond on the pitch. That’s what we did.”
Belgium celebrate and send social media message
Belgium appeared to reference the controversy after scoring their fourth goal, with several players performing a celebration resembling Trump’s trademark dance.
The team’s official Instagram account also posted a photo of Romelu Lukaku cupping his ear alongside the caption: “Overturn this.”
Despite the tension surrounding the fixture, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia revealed Balogun approached him after the final whistle.
“I really liked that. It’s not his fault, he’s not the one to blame and that’s what I told him.”
Garcia added that his players remained focused on their own performance rather than the disciplinary debate.
“Regardless of the US starting line-up, what really mattered to us is our game plan. The group is very mature. I told them what matters the most is us.”
Belgium’s victory sets up a World Cup quarter-final showdown with Spain after eliminating the United States.