How do you miss something that's a straight red, let alone something bookable, at first glance? Straight red is reserved for intent to injure. Balogun wasn't even looking at the defender and where he landed is where he landed. At least Quansah of England went in studs up against the Mexican on Sunday. I think the world would have hated it less if FIFA said it'd change it to a yellow retroactively, which means something for yellow accumulation, which as a former sweeper/left back in three years of club/high school soccer, I hate. There comes a time and place in a game where you've just gotta dump a guy.I liked your post, especially as I am someone from a country who currently sees last 32 as a success. But I respectfully disagree with this. That's what VAR's there for, correcting mistakes. Not seeing the foul straight away might seem embarrassing for the ref, but he's only human. Off-sides, penalties etc are missed and corrected by VAR too, I don't think this is more embarrassing than those mistakes. IMO.
Prior to the tourney I said Team USA would underwhelm, instead they pleasantly surprised until they reached their level of incompetence.