The Balogun reversal didn’t help us…

by bk , Close enough, Monday, July 06, 2026, 18:14 (15 days ago) @ PMan

We would unquestionably be at our best with him, but if he was always going to play in this game.

We spent a few days planning and settling in with resolve for the more difficult task in front of us without one of our best two players. Adversity can lead to focus and mutual effort. Belgium, on the other hand, was planning for a lighter opponent. Not taking us lightly, but in the back of their minds, there had to be some ease.

But then Balogun’s suspension is lifted. Now the US feels relief and Belgium has focus. We also feel the weight of a controversial decision and the need to justify the unprecedented treatment.

The first half, we looked tight and Belgium looked like they had nothing to lose.