FIFA's decision on Balogun's red card is reminiscent of the 1962 World Cup

Today, FIFA officially announced the temporary suspension of Volarin Balogun's red card. Thus, the American player will be allowed to participate in the round of 16 against Belgium on Tuesday at 2 a.m., despite his expulsion in the round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sports journalist Ben Jacobs also reported that FIFA received a direct call from the White House before making the decision. Do Americans remember the 1962 World Cup? At the time, FIFA faced a similar problem, as Brazil's Garrincha was sent off in the semi-final against Chile after a violent incident. This was a disaster for the Union. After Pele's injury, Garrincha was considered the first World Cup star.

Garrincha scored two goals in the semi-final (4-2) before being sent off. Would it have been a final without the absolute star? It seems that was not an option for FIFA. Garrincha was allowed to play in the final after a request from the Brazilian Federation, as the Seleção won the final 3-1 against Czechoslovakia. Strangely, Garrincha had a cold before the match, and did not have a significant impact on the match.

Conversely, Volarin Balogun could make a huge impact for the USA against Belgium.

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