SEATTLE — The incredible decision by FIFA to reinstate Folarin Balogun on Sunday almost overshadowed that there is a match to be played Monday, in which 21 players aside from the U.S. striker will be on the field at all times — well, barring another red card.
That match qualifies as the most important the U.S. national team has played since at least the 2002 quarterfinal loss to Germany. Not only is it a chance to get back to that stage for the first time since, but it’s happening on home soil, on prime-time television, against an opponent that — while certainly elite — seems to qualify as beatable.
The ratings will almost assuredly set records. And if the U.S. can win, it will go a long way toward changing what the very sport of soccer means here in America.
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