Belgium post 'overturn this' after win over USA in World Cup last 16 amid Folarin Balogun controversy

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Belgium's social media team posted a two-word message after The Red Devils' controversy-marred victory over the USA in the last 16 of the World Cup at the Seattle Stadium on Monday evening.

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The build-up to the game was dominated by the decision of a FIFA disciplinary panel to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban that he picked up for a red card in USA’s last-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Many observers felt the red card meted out to Balogun was harsh, but few expected it to be overturned to allow him to play against Belgium.

The controversy only ramped up when it emerged that US President Donald Trump had contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino and "asked for a review".

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"All I did was I asked for a review, because I didn't think it was a foul," Trump said.

"Again, I'm good at this stuff. I didn't think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled. That was not a guy punching somebody in the face, or anything that would be different."

The news of Balogun being made available caused widespread unease, with the Belgian FA launching an appeal - which was quickly rejected by FIFA.

The Belgian FA subsequently said it would take the matter further, irrespective of the result of the game.

Balogun was named in the USA team by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, but failed to make a positive impact, as Belgium ran out easy winners.

Following the game, the Belgian national side's social media team were quickly off the mark, posting: "Overturn this."

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia was proud of his players, and said the win was for the fans.

"I think it's 4am in Belgium right now,” said Garcia, who consoled Balogun after the game.

Rudi Garcia consoles Folarin Balogun

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"To everyone who got up in the middle of the night to support us, I'd like to say a huge thank-you. They should be happy and proud of their players today. We showed that Belgium is a great football nation.

"The players were outstanding, and followed the game plan perfectly. We were in control throughout the match. Once again, it was a real team effort.”

Belgium's win set up a quarter-final meeting with Spain, which may take place without Amadou Onana, who went off injured in the first half, and was later seen on crutches and wearing a protective cast.

”The one big disappointment, the one dark cloud over tonight, is Amadou Onana's injury,” Garcia, who saw striker Romelu Lukaku unfurl Onana’s shirt after scoring the fourth goal, said.

"We owed it to him to keep going in the second half, win the match, and qualify for the quarter-finals."

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