Belgium produced a commanding display to defeat the United States 4-1 and book a FIFA World Cup quarter-final meeting with Spain.
The last-16 encounter in Seattle was overshadowed by controversy surrounding USA striker Folarin Balogun’s eligibility after FIFA suspended his one-match ban before kick-off.
Balogan was permitted to play, despite receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, after U.S. President Donald Trump’s unprecedented intervention but he barely had an impact on the pitch.
Belgium ignored the off-field distractions and dominated the opening exchanges with aggressive pressing and swift attacking football.
Charles De Ketelaere gave Belgium the lead in the ninth minute with a simple tap-in, taking full advantage of a nervous start by the U.S. to quickly deflate the partisan crowd.
Malik Tillman’s deflected free kick levelled the game in the 31st minute, but De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s lead almost immediately with a back-post header.
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The U.S. improved after the break until a calamitous error from goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed substitute Hans Vanaken to score in the 57th minute.
Romelu Lukaku then added a fourth in added time to send U.S. fans streaming for the exits and Belgium into the quarter-finals. The goal was Lukaku’s 93rd for Belgium and his seventh in FIFA World Cup finals.
The U.S. defeat means all three co-hosts are out of the tournament, after Canada and Mexico lost their last-16 games.
“In the moments that we were doing well (in the tournament), we felt amazing,” U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams said.
“And then obviously, an opportunity like today, we didn’t grasp it – and it’s gonna sting.”
USA manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted his side never recovered after conceding immediately following their equaliser.
“From the beginning, we didn’t connect with the game. Even when we scored the goal, we conceded in the next action,” Pochettino said.
Belgium captain, Youri Tielemans, suggested the pre-match controversy strengthened the squad’s determination.
Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin also referenced the disciplinary saga after the victory.
“I think there was always justice somewhere in life. Today, I think it just brings us a little bit of luck,” Raskin said.
USA captain, Tyler Adams, acknowledged Belgium deserved their victory in spite of America’s encouraging tournament.
“Let’s not get it twisted, I think the better team won today.
“That being said, I don’t think we can take away what we accomplished in the rest of the tournament,” Adams said.
Belgium progressed to the quarter-finals for the third time in four World Cups and will face Spain in a heavyweight European showdown.
