United States crash out as Belgium storm into World Cup quarter-finals

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By Trust Ittai 


 


The United States' World Cup campaign came to a disappointing end on Monday after Belgium powered to a 4-1 victory in their Round of 16 clash, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice in a match overshadowed by FIFA's controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's ban.


Belgium made the perfect start as De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute, tapping home from close range after the U.S. defence failed to deal with an early attack, silencing the partisan home crowd.


The Americans responded in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman equalised with a deflected free-kick that wrong-footed Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. 


However, their joy was short-lived as De Ketelaere restored Belgium's lead just over a minute later, heading in at the back post.


"From the beginning, we didn't connect with the game," U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said. "Even when we scored the goal to make it 1-1, we conceded in the very next action."


The U.S. showed greater purpose after the restart, but their hopes were effectively ended in the 57th minute when goalkeeper Matt Freese's costly error gifted substitute Hans Vanaken Belgium's third goal, shifting the momentum decisively in the Europeans' favour.


Romelu Lukaku sealed the emphatic victory in stoppage time, sending U.S. fans heading for the exits as Belgium booked a place in the quarter-finals for the third time in the last four World Cups.


Belgium will now face European champions Spain national football team in Los Angeles on Friday.


The defeat also marked the end of the road for all three tournament co-hosts, following the Round of 16 exits of Canada men's national soccer team and Mexico national football team.


"In the moments that we were doing well in the tournament, we felt amazing," U.S. captain Tyler Adams said.



"But an opportunity like today, we didn't take it, and it's going to sting."

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