Nicolas Raskin has declared that 'justice was served' after Belgium thrashed the USA 4-1 in the World Cup round of 16, amid the controversy over Folarin Balogun's red card U-turn. The Rangers midfielder provided an assist for Charles De Ketelaere's early goal in the convincing victory that sent the Red Devils into the quarter-finals.
Balogun Controversy
Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina but FIFA suspended his one-game ban for up to a year, making him available for the match against Belgium. The Belgian FA branded the events 'deeply concerning', while UEFA criticised FIFA's decision. US President Donald Trump revealed he contacted FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to urge a review of the call, which has been widely condemned across the sport for compromising the governing body's integrity.
Raskin's Reaction
Speaking after the match, Raskin said: 'I think there is always a justice somewhere in life and the fact that something can happen like that, you can put back 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 and the message throughout.'
Asked if the saga united his side, Raskin added: 'Yes, of course that motivated the group. We operate on the principle that there is always justice in life in one way or another. And I think that when you try to force something special, it always comes back to hit you in the face like a boomerang at some point.'
Match Details
Belgium dominated from the start, with Raskin setting up De Ketelaere for the opener. The USA became the third host nation to be eliminated from the World Cup, joining South Africa in 2010 and Qatar in 2022 as host nations that failed to advance past the round of 16.
