Belgium delivered a commanding performance to defeat the United States 4-1 and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, ending the hopes of the last remaining co-host nation in the tournament.
Charles De Ketelaere starred with a brace as the Red Devils outclassed a lacklustre American side that struggled to make an impact despite the return of striker Folarin Balogun.
Belgium made a bright start and took the lead in the ninth minute when Nicolas Raskin’s low cross into the box was expertly converted by De Ketelaere.
The hosts drew level in the 31st minute after Malik Tillman’s free-kick took a significant deflection off Hans Vanaken, wrong-footing the Belgian defence to make it 1-1.
However, Belgium restored their advantage just two minutes later. De Ketelaere rose highest to head home Leandro Trossard’s cross, completing his brace and giving the Europeans a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
Belgium tightened their grip on the contest in the second half after De Ketelaere capitalised on a costly mistake by United States goalkeeper Matt Freese, dispossessing him before Vanaken calmly slotted the ball into the net from outside the penalty area.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku completed the rout in stoppage time, firing a low effort into the far corner from a tight angle to seal an emphatic 4-1 victory.
The win sends Belgium into a quarter-final showdown with Spain in Los Angeles after the European side edged Portugal 1-0 in their Round of 16 encounter.
The defeat also confirmed the elimination of all three FIFA World Cup co-hosts. Mexico bowed out after a 3-2 loss to England, while Canada were eliminated by Morocco.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side had hoped to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002 but produced a disappointing display in one of the country’s biggest football matches in recent years.
Much of the pre-match attention centred on FIFA’s decision to allow Balogun to play despite his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round. The United States forward returned to the starting lineup after FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban for a 12-month probationary period following a successful appeal.
The decision attracted widespread attention after reports that U.S. President Donald Trump had personally urged FIFA to review the suspension, arguing that enforcing the ban would cast “a big stain” on the tournament.
Balogun, however, was unable to make a decisive impact. His best chance came late in the game, but Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced an excellent save from a tight angle to deny him.
The United States struggled to create meaningful opportunities throughout the contest and exited the World Cup at the Round of 16 for the fourth time in their last five appearances.
