USA 1-4 Belgium: Mauricio Pochettino’s side were defeated by their European opponents after a controversial few days, with all three hosts eliminated from the World Cup.
America becomes the third host nation to be eliminated from the World Cup (Image: Getty Images)
The United States lost 4-1 to Belgium in Seattle, becoming the third and final host nation to be eliminated from the World Cup.
All the pre-match talk was about Folarin Balogun, who inexplicably escaped suspension for a red card following intervention from Donald Trump. But it was Belgian star Charles de Ketelaère who stole the headlines with two goals on either side of Malik Tillman’s free-kick in the first half.
Things then got even worse for the Americans as Hans Vanaken profited from a disastrous mistake and scored the third goal, sealing Belgium’s place in the last eight. Romelu Lukaku then scored the fourth goal in the final minute.
They will now turn their attention to the quarter-final match against Spain later this week. Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino’s side will look back on a memorable campaign, albeit one now tarnished by a controversial row and a dismal last-16 performance.
Belgium got off to a great start in Seattle and almost took the lead with a great shot from Timothy Castagne, which was saved by Matt Freeze. Youri Tielemans then should have taken the lead with a very good-looking chance.
Belgium finally got the goal that deserved De Ketelaele’s great start. The Atalanta midfielder aimed for goal from a low position off Nicholas Raskin, but found himself unmarked.
Despite Belgium’s quick start, the Americans eventually got back on their feet and tied the game at the 30-minute mark. It was no surprise that Tillman stepped up in a similar situation after winning a free-kick against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and his next shot was well-aimed just off the Belgian wall to score.
Charles de Quetelaer scored two goals in the first half against the USA (Image: Getty Images)
However, the hosts could not equalize for long as Rudi Garcia’s side immediately counterattacked through De Quetelaere. Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard sent a provocative cross towards the midfielder, who nodded emphatically.
Belgium should have cleared and headed to half-time, but Dodi Lukebakio nodded wide.
A third one finally came after the break, but it was all America’s credit. Goalkeeper Frees hesitated on the ball far outside the penalty area, but seeing his pocket picked out, Vanaken fired into the unguarded net from within range.
To make matters worse for the Americans, star man Christian Pulisic was sent off on a stretcher midway through the second half. Lukaku then got on the scoresheet in the second half after another mistake by the hosts. And America saw a truly promising election campaign end in disaster.
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