Chris Richards Cites Balogun’s Red Card Lift in U.S.-Belgium Knockout Match

U.S. Men’s National Team defender Chris Richards gave credit to teammate Folarin Balogun after FIFA lifted the striker’s red card suspension. Speaking on the controversy ahead of the win-or-go-home World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium, Richards told “CBS Evening News” anchor Tony Dokoupil he didn’t have insight into how the appeal went down but praised Balogun’s conduct after being sent off last week.

Richards said FIFA’s decision to lift the one-match suspension, which came after President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was a “big relief” for Balogun and gives the team more confidence going into a tough match against Belgium. All week long, he trained with Balogun, who hasn’t missed a day of training.

The same 11 players were named for the previous matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-0) and Paraguay (4-1). Monday night’s match “means everything,” Richards said. It’s a knockout round game to continue on this tournament.

Richards, who has faced the best of the best in soccer as a center-back for Premier League club Crystal Palace, recalled telling people when he was growing up that he wanted to be a pro soccer player and being laughed at. Now, with the World Cup on home soil, his dream is within reach.