Team USA and Folarin Balogun have proven that possessing both skill and fortune can be advantageous, embodying the old adage that it’s better to be lucky than good.
In a stunning development on Sunday afternoon, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee rescinded the one-game suspension of the USMNT’s leading goalscorer, making him eligible for Monday’s Round of 16 showdown against Belgium.
Balogun received a controversial red card in the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32. The decision came after a replay review showed he accidentally made contact with Tarik Muharemović’s leg.
The disciplinary committee is an independent judicial body that reviews plays and, after a thorough look, it chose to lift the suspension, much to the delight of the USMNT.
It didn’t take long for oddsmakers and bettors alike to make the move on the United States following the announcement of Balogun’s reinstatement.
USA vs. Belgium World Cup Odds for Round of 16
| Team/Outcome | Moneyline Odds |
|---|---|
| USA | +165 |
| Belgium | +165 |
| Draw | +240 |
USA’s odds to advance to the quarterfinals past Belgium moved from -115 to -140 around 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Belgium is currently listed at +165, while the Stars and Stripes are also +165 to win within 90 minutes. The odds for a draw are +240. Sixty-six percent of ticket bets and 84 percent of the handle are on Team USA to get the job done.
Balogun’s return to the lineup has also shaken up the anytime goal-scorer odds, as the Brooklyn-born striker is now second at +175 to score within 90 minutes and at +145 to do so with extra time included.
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku is the leading candidate to score outright at odds of +150.
Every match of the FIFA World Cup will air on either FOX or FOX Sports 1. If you don’t have cable, you can take advantage of a DIRECTV free trial to stream it all.
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Mauricio Pochettino’s group is an impressive 3-1 in the tournament so far, having won Group D and sent Bosnia home, but is still considered a long shot at 32/1 to win it all.
This do-or-die knockout round match against Belgium is scheduled for Monday night at 8 p.m. ET in Seattle, with the winner advancing to face either Portugal or Spain in the quarterfinals.
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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
