Balogun targets key role for USA as World Cup kicks off
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun opens his World Cup campaign with the United States against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Saturday morning.
Folarin Balogun is heading into his first World Cup with ambitions to match his billing. The AS Monaco striker, who has been one of Ligue 1's more reliable attacking presences this season, travels to the United States carrying expectations from both club supporters and a nation of football fans as the tournament gets under way.
The USA face Paraguay in Los Angeles in the early hours of Saturday morning, Monaco time, in what is effectively a home fixture for the hosts. Balogun has spoken openly about wanting to be a decisive figure for his country, and with the tournament held on American soil, the pressure and the opportunity are considerable.
For Monaco followers, his performances over the coming weeks will carry real weight. A strong World Cup for Balogun raises his profile and his market value at a time when the club will be weighing its options for the season ahead.