l be eligible to return for the quarterfinals if the United States advances past Belgium.

Despite the suspension, Balogun has been one of the tournament's standout performers. He has scored three goals, including the opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina, matching Landon Donovan's three-goal total from the 2010 World Cup for the second-most goals by an American in a single tournament. Only Bert Patenaude, who scored four goals at the inaugural World Cup in 1930, has scored more for the United States in one tournament.

Balogun celebrated his goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina with LeBron James' signature  Silencer  gesture, a celebration the NBA's all-time leading scorer later acknowledged on social media. The Arsenal-born forward also became the first American to score twice in a World Cup match since Patenaude accomplished the feat in 1930.

Balogun described the days following the match as an emotional whirlwind but said he wanted to respond with composure.

 Been upset, I've been happy. It's been surreal, to be honest,  Balogun said.  But for me, I think it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion. There's still lots of people who are inspiring little kids, boys and girls who are watching. We have to show them the correct way to handle things, even when you think it's unjust.