EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Norway coach Starre Solbakken felt strong after his team defeated Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 on Sunday to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in history.
No, it wasn’t about Erling Haaland’s two goals or the keeper’s world-class performance or his team defeating the five-time World Cup champions.
It was about Folarin Balogun and FIFA’s controversial decision on Sunday to reinstate the American striker for Monday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium.
“I think that’s a big mistake by FIFA,” Solbakken said. “I don’t think this is a great conclusion. He was given a red card and VAR concluded that it was a red card. He was sent off. That means a one-match suspension. What’s really bad about that situation is that now it might be over for the United States, because if they beat Belgium, they’ll have to do something extra.”
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 in the Round of 32 after falling under the foot of an opposing defender. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee overturned Balogun’s one-match suspension, which usually comes with a red card.
In Solbakken’s estimation, just Balogun scoring or playing a good game could jeopardize the victory.
“Belgium will be furious,” Solbakken said. “What about the next red card? What happens then? Is there a committee somewhere to take that card away?”
“Bad, bad, bad, bad, bad, it’s a decision that will have a negative impact on the World Cup. I also feel for the United States, because if they win, it’s always going to be about the balance of the World Cup.
“It’s not good for the sport. It’s a bad decision by FIFA.”
At least one other head coach in the tournament doesn’t support that call.
