Belgium thump USA to reach quarter-finals and end co-hosts' World Cup dream
Belgium defeated the United States 4-1, eliminating the co-hosts from the World Cup. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, and the match was overshadowed by controversy over Folarin Balogun's suspension.
Belgium dumped the United States out of their own World Cup on Monday, July 7, with a 4-1 victory that sent them to the quarter-finals against Spain. The result ended the American dream of reaching the last eight for the first time since 2002.
Pre-match attention centered on US striker Folarin Balogun, whose one-game suspension for a red card was lifted by FIFA after US President Donald Trump asked for a review. The decision drew widespread criticism, but the Seattle crowd gave Balogun a massive ovation.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia surprised by benching Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku. The gamble paid off as Charles De Ketelaere scored in the 9th minute, tapping in from close range after lax US defending.
Malik Tillman equalized with a deflected free kick in the 30th minute, but De Ketelaere restored Belgium's lead three minutes later, out-jumping Tim Ream to head in Leandro Trossard's cross.
The US pushed after halftime, but a catastrophic goalkeeping error by Matt Freese in the 57th minute allowed Hans Vanaken to score from long range. Christian Pulisic limped off injured, and Romelu Lukaku sealed the rout in stoppage time after Chris Richards gave the ball away.
The USA exit the World Cup in the round of 16, following co-hosts Canada and Mexico.
