Nicolas Raskin says Belgium win felt like 'justice' after Folarin Balogun eligibility controversy

SEATTLE: Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin said his side's emphatic 4-1 victory over the United States in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 felt like ‘justice’ after the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's eligibility dominated the build-up to Monday's clash.

The United States striker was allowed to feature despite receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round. Under normal circumstances, the dismissal would have resulted in an automatic one-match suspension.

However, FIFA suspended the ban under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code after United States President Donald Trump requested FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case.

Infantino insisted FIFA's judicial bodies acted ‘independently and autonomously’ and said he had informed Trump that Balogun's case remained part of an ongoing legal process.

FIFA's disciplinary committee later stated it had the authority to suspend the automatic suspension.

The decision drew widespread criticism, with Belgium's football federation lodging an unsuccessful challenge to Balogun's eligibility just hours before kick-off.

Despite the off-field controversy, Belgium produced a commanding performance to defeat the tournament hosts 4-1 and secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Reflecting on the victory, Raskin suggested the result was a fitting response to the disputed decision.

“Like I said, I think there was always a justice somewhere in life and the fact that something can happen like that, you can put it all you want, but we don't think that was fair,” Raskin said.

“And today, I think it just brings us a little bit of luck. We needed to win the game and the message throughout.”

Belgium will now face Spain in Los Angeles on Friday, with a place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals at stake.