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.
Balogun had originally received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina before the suspension was lifted, prompting criticism from Belgium and several football officials.
Belgium ignored the off-field distractions and dominated the opening exchanges with aggressive pressing and swift attacking football.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese denied Timothy Castagne early before Belgium eventually broke the deadlock through Charles De Ketelaere in the ninth minute.
The midfielder calmly converted Nicolas Raskin’s cross after the American defence failed to clear their lines.
The United States struggled to establish possession as Belgium controlled midfield through Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken and Raskin.
A hydration break briefly halted Belgium’s momentum before Balogun earned the Americans a dangerous free-kick.
Malik Tillman levelled in the 31st minute after his free-kick deflected off Vanaken and wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois
American celebrations lasted barely a minute as Belgium immediately regained the lead through De Ketelaere.
Leandro Trossard delivered an inviting cross and De Ketelaere headed beyond Freese from close range
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.
The Americans improved after the interval and briefly threatened another equaliser with increased attacking intent.
Their hopes collapsed in the 57th minute after Freese made a costly mistake while attempting to play out from the back.
Vanaken intercepted possession and calmly rolled the ball into an unguarded net to make it 3-1.
Belgium comfortably controlled proceedings thereafter as the United States struggled to create meaningful opportunities.
Balogun, who attracted enormous attention before kick-off, failed to influence proceedings in spite of winning the free-kick that produced America’s only goal.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku completed the emphatic victory in stoppage time with a composed finish beyond Freese.
The goal was Lukaku’s 93rd for Belgium and his seventh in FIFA World Cup finals.
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.
For the United States, defeat ended hopes of a memorable home tournament as all three co-hosts exited before the quarter-final stage.
