Belgium beat USA 4-1 on Tuesday to knock the co-hosts out of the FIFA World Cup. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice as Belgium booked a quarter-final clash with Spain.
The defeat ended the United States’ campaign in the round of 16. Canada and Mexico had already exited the tournament.
Before kick-off, attention focused on Folarin Balogun. US President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review the striker’s one-match suspension, and the governing body approved the request.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia surprised many by leaving Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku on the bench. The decision worked as De Ketelaere opened the scoring early to silence the home fans.
Belgium beat USA after De Ketelaere restored his side’s lead following Malik Tillman’s free-kick equaliser. Matt Freese’s costly mistake allowed Hans Vanaken to score before Romelu Lukaku added a late fourth goal.
FIFA’s decision to lift Balogun’s suspension sparked criticism from fans, pundits, and players. However, the Seattle crowd welcomed him with loud cheers before kick-off.
The US fans created a lively atmosphere, but Belgium quickly took control. De Ketelaere scored in the ninth minute after Nicolas Raskin’s cross beat the American defence.
Tillman briefly revived US hopes with a deflected free kick. However, De Ketelaere headed home his second goal just minutes later to restore Belgium’s advantage.
Mauricio Pochettino changed his tactics after the break, but the US struggled to recover. Freese’s error gifted Vanaken Belgium’s third goal, while Christian Pulisic later left the pitch with an injury.
Sebastian Berhalter and Balogun both came close to scoring late on. In stoppage time, Chris Richards lost possession, and Lukaku finished calmly to complete Belgium’s 4-1 victory.
