Folarin Balogun, USMNT focus on Turkey before knockout round

IRVINE, Calif. – Folarin Balogun relaxed on his couch at the team hotel, surrounded by teammates and with a plate of food in front of him as another World Cup game was playing on TV.

Like millions of fans around the world, the U.S. striker has spent much of the tournament tuning into games when the the opportunity arises. The difference though, is that Balogun is not simply a fan watching the World Cup, he’s living it. 

Between training sessions and recovery, Balogun and his teammates have gathered around televisions and followed scores on their phones. It has become part of the daily routine for a team that continues to gain confidence as the tournament progresses. 

“I enjoy the World Cup because there are so many games,” Balogun said. “I enjoy just eating dinner at a hotel and watching the games with my teammates.”

Forward Alex Zendejas shares that same perspective. 

“We’re constantly watching the games throughout the day in our free time,” Zendejas said. “I love it.”

The free time has allowed the players to soak in the magnitude of the event. However, as the United States prepares to face Turkey on Thursday in its final group-stage match, there is little discussion about what comes next.

While the fans and media have already started speculating about knock-out round opponents, the players are only focused on their match against Turkey.

“The most important thing is to go out there and win,” Balogun said. 

The United States clinched first place in Group D on Friday after defeating Australia 2-0 and seeing Turkey fall to Paraguay 1-0. As a result, the U.S. secured the top spot in the group with one match remaining. 

“Nothing changes,” Zendejas said. “We continue working the same way. Just because we achieved one objective doesn’t mean we stop. We want to keep improving and showing what this team is capable of.”

The Americans will enter Thursday’s match coming off an impressive victory over Australia, where they dominated on both sides of the pitch. The U.S. led in possession (62%) and shots (10-5), all while securing 20 interceptions to Australia’s six.

Balogun credited much of that success to coach Mauricio Pochettino.

“I think the coach is the main guy,” Balogun said. “I think it was structure, foundation, identity, and I think we’ve seen that. The press against Australia was really impressive. It forced them to go long, which allowed us to have opportunities and dominate possession, so that’s credit to the coach.”

Since taking over the national team, Pochettino has worked to establish not only a tactical identity but also a stronger understanding of the culture surrounding American soccer.

That effort has resonated with players.

“I think he’s come in and really wanted to understand it from the players’ point of view, what it means and what it feels like to be American,” Balogun said. “He’s always asking questions and trying to learn.

“I think that gives us confidence as players because he’s really on board with the culture.”

The result is a group that has never doubted their chances. 

“I think the belief has always been there,” Zendejas said. “This team’s been showing not just now, but in the past. We’ve been playing against good national teams, respected national teams, and we’ve been coming out with a positive result.” 

For Balogun, that belief stems from the commitment players show to the team every day. 

“There’s up to maybe 15 or 20 guys who would put their life on the line for a win, for a result, to block a shot,” Balogun said. “When you have that mentality, you’re always going to give yourself the best chance.” 

That depth and commitment could become important in the match against Turkey.

With the United States already through to the knockout rounds, Pochettino may decide to shake up the lineup to give key players some rest before the next round.

“I think it’s too early to talk about our decision against Turkey,” Pochettino said to reporters after the Australia match on June 19. “I cannot anticipate nothing (about) what we are going to do, but we (have) 28 players training, 26 on the list, and all the players have the capacity to play and are qualified to play.”

Whether he starts against Turkey or comes off the bench, Zendejas said the mindset remains the same.

“As players, we’re ready to step on the field,” Zendejas said. “Whether it’s players who have been playing more or less, this team is capable of putting out many different lineups and everyone is going to perform well.”

Balogun will enter Thursday’s game with a yellow card, but he has no interest in changing how he plays.

“I want to play every game,” Balogun said. “That’s the sort of player I am.

“It’s also important to be smart and not pick up another yellow card.”

If Balogun picks up another yellow card against Turkey, he will be ineligible to play in the round of 32 match.

As the U.S. players continue their run, they are starting to notice the impact they’re making on fans.

“I’ve been trying to comprehend it,” Balogun said. “America’s such a big country, it’s difficult. (Midfielder Weston McKennie has) been showing me videos of fans in different parts watching the games.

“Every time we score, they’re celebrating in different places. I think it’s not something any of us can really comprehend right now, but I think once we’re out of it, we’ll be able to see the impact.”

For now though, there is little time for reflection.

The focus now is on Turkey as the knockout stage approaches. With every victory, expectations get higher. 

Inside the U.S. camp, the message remains unchanged.

Win the next game.

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