(FOX 5/KUSI) — With anticipation high, Team USA squared off against Belgium in a decisive round of 16 clash, aiming to utilize their luck and familiarity at the familiar venue. The team’s spirits were buoyed by the return of Folarin Balogun to the lineup.
Despite these advantages, the European powerhouse didn’t hold back, defeating Team USA 4-1 and abruptly ending America’s journey in this World Cup.
The match took place on Monday night at Seattle Stadium, the home ground of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, known for having the best Monday Night Football record. Until tonight, Team USA had been undefeated at this stadium.
Belgium set the tone early, scoring in the 9th minute when Charles De Ketelaere capitalized on a U.S. defensive misstep in the box, deftly redirecting a centering pass into the net. This goal marked De Ketelaere’s first in World Cup play.
In the 29th minute, Team USA drew a penalty kick, seizing the opportunity as Malik Tillman sent the ball into the net, deflecting off the wall, to register his second goal of the tournament.
The game was knotted at 1-1 for only 51 seconds before Belgium struck again.
In the 32nd minute, De Ketelaere got the early jump and headed it into the net for his second goal of the match, putting Belgium up 2-1.
Things didn’t get much better for the U.S. In the 35th minute, Weston McKennie was handed a yellow card.
Just when things couldn’t get any worse, they did. In the 51st minute, USA star Christian Pulisic went down with an injury, with no foul being called on the play. Pulisic was seen limping on the pitch after the clash and was eventually substituted in the 58th minute.
Belgium’s persistent pressure proved to be the gift that kept on giving, as the European club had five shots on goal at halftime compared to Team USA’s one.
Matt Freese came out of the penalty box to play a ball in the 57th minute, when he whiffed on a clearing kick, and Hans Vanaken pounced on the mistake to make it 3-1.
Romelu Lukaku put the final nail in the coffin for Belgium, scoring in stoppage time to give the Red Devils a 4-1 win over the U.S.
Belgium will now face Spain in the quarterfinal on Friday in Los Angeles.