Balogun Scores Twice for U.S. Against Paraguay but Creates Two Own Goals

Folarin Balogun scored two goals against Paraguay during the U.S. national team's World Cup group stage. The 22-year-old striker, who plays for AS Monaco in Ligue 1, also created two own goals across matches against Paraguay and Australia, according to one report.

The U.S. defeated Australia 2-0. John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” played over stadium speakers after the victory. Balogun received a yellow card and missed the group-stage finale against Turkey.

Balogun was born in Brooklyn, New York, which makes him eligible for the U.S. team by birthright citizenship. He has spent most of his life in Europe but has visited New York, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle during the team's camp.

Teammates described his reactions to American life. Mark McKenzie said Balogun often comments that America is a simulation, pointing to roadside signs, unusual clothing and restaurants such as Bojangles. Chris Richards said Balogun found the playing of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” interesting and was dumbfounded by coaching staff listening to country music.

Richards added that Balogun still holds the notion that Americans are not real. The team’s next match is scheduled in the Bay Area against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. Balogun said the squad has always been diverse, no different from America, and that the most important task is to stay focused on competing at the highest level to make the country proud.

Goalkeeper Matt Freese described Balogun’s shot as strong. Mark McKenzie said Balogun is versatile, can hurt opponents on the dribble and in behind, and is a clinical finisher. Christian Pulisic called him a killer.