Belgium produced a dominant display to beat the United States 4-1 and book a place in the World Cup quarter finals, ending the final co hosts’ hopes of lifting the trophy on home soil.
Charles de Ketelaere scored twice as Belgium outclassed a subdued USA side that struggled to threaten throughout the contest despite the return of striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun was restored to the starting line up after FIFA suspended his automatic one match ban for 12 months following his red card in the previous round. The decision came after US President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review the suspension.
Belgium took the lead in the ninth minute when Nicolas Raskin’s cross across goal was tapped home by De Ketelaere.
USA responded in the 31st minute as Malik Tillman’s free kick took a heavy deflection off Hans Vanaken to draw the hosts level.
Belgium regained the lead just two minutes later when De Ketelaere headed home Leandro Trossard’s cross to complete his brace.
The visitors extended their advantage after the break when De Ketelaere dispossessed hesitant goalkeeper Matt Freese, allowing Vanaken to calmly side foot the ball into the bottom corner from outside the penalty area.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed the emphatic victory in stoppage time, finishing low into the far corner from a tight angle to make it 4-1.
The victory sends Belgium into a quarter final clash against Spain in Los Angeles after the European champions edged Portugal 1-0.
The defeat also means all three World Cup co hosts have now been eliminated from the tournament. Mexico were knocked out by England, while Canada exited after losing to Morocco.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side had been aiming to reach the World Cup quarter finals for the first time since 2002 but delivered an underwhelming performance in their biggest men’s fixture in years.
The build up to the match had been dominated by FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s one match ban. The 25 year old had been expected to miss the match after receiving a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the previous round.
Trump said before the match that he had asked FIFA to review Balogun’s suspension, saying it would have left a “big stain” on the tournament.
Balogun, however, was unable to add to his three tournament goals. His best opportunity came late in the match, but Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced a smart save from a tight angle.
USA struggled to create clear chances throughout and have now exited at the round of 16 in four of their last five World Cup appearances.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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