Belgium eliminates the United States from the World Cup with a 4-1 victory in a round-of-16 match in Seattle on Monday night. The result ends the U.S. bid to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. Belgium advances to face Spain in the quarterfinals. The match is played in front of a large crowd at Seattle Stadium.
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere scores twice, giving Belgium an early lead and then extending it before halftime. Malik Tillman equalizes for the U.S. with a free kick, but Belgium responds with a second goal in the first half. In the second half, Matt Freese makes a costly mistake that contributes to Belgium’s third goal, which Belgium builds on with another finish in stoppage time by Romelu Lukaku to complete the rout.
Several outlets also note that Folarin Balogun’s involvement is a key pregame issue for the U.S., amid controversy over FIFA’s handling of his prior suspension and his subsequent inclusion in the starting lineup. The U.S. is described as unsettled early and unable to mount a sustained comeback as Belgium’s finishing and defensive execution increase pressure.
