Belgium sent the United States packing from their own World Cup on Tuesday. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in a 4-1 win. The match was overshadowed by the heated debate over Folarin Balogun’s suspension. With this victory, Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals. The US follows co-hosts Canada and Mexico out of the tournament after a disappointing round of 16 performance.
Before the match, all eyes were on Balogun and whether he would start. This came after US President Donald Trump asked FIFA to look into Balogun’s one-game ban for a red card. FIFA controversially agreed to review it.
Belgium also had surprises in their lineup. Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku were among the big names left on the bench. Coach Rudi Garcia’s decision paid off. De Ketelaere scored an early goal, dampening the positive atmosphere in Seattle.
Malik Tillman scored a free kick to bring the US back into the game. But De Ketelaere quickly restored Belgium’s lead. A big mistake from goalkeeper Matt Freese and a late goal from Romelu Lukaku sealed the Americans' fate.
Fans, pundits, and players worldwide criticized FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s ban after he was sent off in the last round against Bosnia and Herzegovina. But in the stadium, fans were excited.
When Balogun’s name was announced in the starting lineup, the crowd erupted. The cheers for him were louder than those for US star Christian Pulisic.
The “USA” thunderclap filled the stadium, overpowering the small group of Belgium fans at the start.
But the American excitement quickly faded. In the ninth minute, De Ketelaere scored, tapping in from close range after Nicolas Raskin’s cross slipped through weak defending.
This was the first time the US had gone behind in the World Cup. With the crowd deflated, the team didn’t show much fight. The midfield was outplayed, and the defense looked shaky.
Around the 30-minute mark, Balogun drew a foul near the box, waking up the crowd again. He waved his arms as Malik Tillman set up for the kick.
Tillman’s shot hit the Belgian wall but spun into the net. The stadium erupted with joy.
But happiness was short-lived. In the 33rd minute, De Ketelaere jumped to meet Leandro Trossard’s cross and outjumped Tim Ream to score again.
The US tried to get back into the game as the first half ended. Balogun shot over from a long throw by Tillman, then nearly caught a long ball from him.
At half-time, US coach Mauricio Pochettino changed the formation. He moved Gio Reyna to the number 10 position and pushed Weston McKennie to the right. The team came back with more energy, pressing higher.
But disaster struck in the 57th minute. Freese came out to get a long ball but hesitated while passing to avoid De Ketelaere. De Ketelaere seized the chance and passed to Hans Vanaken, who scored easily from long range.
Pulisic limped off with an injury shortly after, taking away the US hopes of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.
His substitute, Sebastian Berhalter, took a risky shot that went just wide in the 79th minute. Balogun then had a close-range effort saved.
In stoppage time, Chris Richards handed the ball to Lukaku. The experienced striker scored without hesitation, finishing off the game.
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