SEATTLE — Belgium’s formidable performance brought an end to the United States’ aspirations for a standout World Cup journey on home soil. Aided by Charles De Ketelaere’s two goals and an assist, Belgium capitalized on the U.S. team’s defensive weaknesses in a commanding 4-1 win, securing a spot in the quarterfinals.
The U.S. squad benefited from the inclusion of star forward Folarin Balogun. His participation was reinstated after FIFA controversially lifted his one-match red-card suspension. However, American defenders were implicated in first-half errors and a mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed Belgium to net their third goal early in the second half. Romelu Lukaku, coming off the bench, added a final goal in the third minute of stoppage time.
Belgium progresses to face Spain in Inglewood, California, on Friday. Malik Tillman had briefly leveled the match at 1-1 with his second successful free-kick of the tournament. Yet, the Americans conceded again just 61 seconds after the restart. The frustration was palpable, evidenced by U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino kicking a rack near the bench, scattering four water bottles.
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