Belgium produced a commanding display to defeat the United States 4-1 on Monday, ending the co-hosts’ World Cup campaign and securing a place in the quarter-finals against Spain.
The European side controlled much of the last-16 contest at Seattle’s Lumen Field, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice before Hans Vanaken and substitute Romelu Lukaku completed an emphatic victory.
The match had attracted considerable attention before kick-off following the decision to allow United States forward Folarin Balogun to play after FIFA suspended a one-match ban.
Despite the pre-match debate, Balogun struggled to influence proceedings as Belgium took control.
Belgium made an ideal start when De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute. The United States briefly restored parity after Malik Tillman’s free-kick took a deflection and found the net in the 31st minute.
However, the hosts’ momentum lasted only moments. De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s lead two minutes later with a well-taken header, leaving the Americans chasing the game once again.
Belgium extended their advantage shortly before the hour mark following a costly mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Attempting to clear the danger outside his area, Freese lost possession, allowing Vanaken to capitalise and make it 3-1.
Lukaku added further gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time, sealing a comprehensive victory that ended the United States’ hopes of reaching a first World Cup quarter-final since 2002.
The result came after a turbulent period for the American camp. Belgium had unsuccessfully challenged Balogun’s eligibility before the match, but FIFA rejected the appeal, allowing the striker to feature.
Belgium will now face Spain in Los Angeles on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.
