World Cup summary over coach resignation, President Trump mocked, FIFA releases statement | Soccer | Sports

Folarin Balogun controversially included in the starting lineup – Folarin Balogun was named to the starting lineup for the U.S. National Team against Belgium in the Round of 16 of the World Cup on Tuesday morning, despite a red point against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee postponed the striker’s one-match ban by one year after Donald Trump personally called FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Belgium beats USA – Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament with a 4-1 victory in World Cup co-host Seattle. Malik Tillman found the scoresheet for the Americans, but his goal was just a consolation, following Charles de Quetelaere’s brace and goals from Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku. Pochettino’s frustration was on full display – American manager Mauricio Pochettino completely lost his composure as he watched helplessly from the sideline as his team collapsed defensively. The Argentine was seen breaking the box of a Powerade bottle as De Quetelaere was packing his brace into a bag Keene asks Trump – Roy Keane was surprised by Trump’s explanation of the call to Infantino and asked, “Is this true?” Tuchel pranks in viral video as Gary Neville quotes president back – John Stones and Declan Rice light-heartedly pranked their manager after England’s 3-2 win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. The Three Lions’ stars tried to fudge Thomas Tuchel’s injury concerns during the post-match celebrations by having Stones grab his arm as if he was in pain before starting to dance as the head coach went to check on him. Mbappé has public support – Emmanuel Macron has publicly praised France national team captain Kylian Mbappé after he took a stand against racism. The striker accused Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla of making offensive and racist remarks in the aftermath of the World Cup clash. FIFA rushes to referee’s defense – As the storm grows over Balogun’s sending off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, FIFA has decided to stand by Rafael Klaus. President Trump mocked by Belgium – After his convincing victory, several Belgian players were spotted making fun of American political theater. Some members of the team ridiculed President Trump’s direct intervention at the board meeting and compliance with FIFA, ultimately failing to save the tournament’s co-hosts from withdrawing from the tournament Roberto Martínez surprise resignation – Roberto Martínez resigned as Portugal coach with immediate effect following the team’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the Round of 16 of the World Cup, resulting in Portugal’s early exit. Mikel Merino’s late goal took the Spaniards through to the quarter-finals, ending Martínez’s three-and-a-half year tenure as coach. Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox – sign up for the Make Football Great Again newsletter now!