Kai Havertz is tied with a forgotten Arsenal striker at the World Cup

Kai Havertz scored twice as Germany defeated Curaçao 7-1 in their opening group game of this World Cup. He now has the same number of goals as former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun.

Balogun came through the ranks at Arsenal and was particularly prolific for their Under-21s. He scored 40 goals in 66 matches for the U21s. However, he never really got an opportunity with the first team. He played just 10 times for the seniors and found the back of the net twice.

The striker was sent on loan to Middlesbrough, but scored just three times in 18 Championship matches. It was in France where Balogun made a name for himself, scoring 21 goals in 37 Ligue 1 games when he was loaned out to Stade de Reims.

Despite his form across the channel, Mikel Arteta still did not give him an opportunity with the Gunners. Balougn was sold permanently to AS Monaco for $43 million. This was good money for a homegrown player, who is often cashed in on to help clubs stay within the Premier League's profitability and sustainability regulations.

Balogun was born in New York but grew up in England. He represented England from U17s to U21s. He had a good record for the U21s, scoring 11 goals in 28 matches. He had also represented the United States U18s and was also eligible to play for Nigeria.

How did Balogun end up playing for the USMNT?

Whilst he was on form with Reims, the USMNT came knocking. Balogun was disappointed at not being called up to the England seniors by Gareth Southgate, and posted on Instagram, "In life, go where you’re appreciated."

The striker dropped out of the England U21s roster due to injury, and soon switched his allegiance to the USMNT. His brace for the Stars and Stripes in their 4-1 win over Paraguay proved that he made the right decision. If he had stuck with trying to get into the England squad, then there is no chance that he would be starting ahead of Harry Kane.

Note: Table courtesy of The American Pitch.

Balogun will fancy his chances to add to his tally with the USMNT still to play Australia and Türkiye in their group. Although they are one of the host nations, Mauricio Pochettino's side is not expected to get to the latter stages of the competition.

Germany is a four-time World Cup winner, and, surprisingly, Havertz is still leading their line. The current Arsenal center-forward missed much of last season through injury. This meant that he made just 12 Premier League appearances and scored just twice as the Gunners won the division.

Although he got a brace against Curaçao, Germany will face much tougher opposition in the tournament going forward. They play the Ivory Coast next before facing Ecuador in their final group stage match.

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