Belgium produced a commanding performance to defeat the United States 4-1 and book a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup, ending the hosts’ hopes of a deep run in the tournament.
Charles De Ketelaere starred with two goals as Belgium outclassed the Americans, who became the third and final co-host nation to exit the competition following earlier eliminations of Canada and Mexico.
Belgium made a bright start, taking the lead in the ninth minute when De Ketelaere converted Nicolas Raskin’s low cross from close range.
The United States restored parity in the 31st minute after Malik Tillman’s free-kick took a deflection off Hans Vanaken and wrong-footed the Belgian defence.
However, Belgium regained the advantage just two minutes later as De Ketelaere rose to head home a cross from Leandro Trossard for his second goal of the match.
The Europeans extended their lead after the break when De Ketelaere capitalised on hesitation by goalkeeper Matt Freese, allowing Vanaken to slot home from outside the penalty area.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory in stoppage time with a composed finish from a tight angle, becoming the first substitute to score three goals in a single World Cup tournament.
Belgium’s victory sets up a quarter-final showdown with reigning European champions Spain in Los Angeles on Friday after Spain edged Portugal 1-0.
For the United States, the defeat marked another disappointing World Cup campaign, as Mauricio Pochettino’s side failed to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.
The build-up to the match had been dominated by controversy surrounding striker Folarin Balogun, whose automatic one-match suspension was temporarily lifted by FIFA following calls for a review. Despite returning to the starting lineup, the forward was unable to add to his tournament tally of three goals, with his best opportunity denied by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia’s decision to start the in-form De Ketelaere ahead of veteran striker Lukaku and leave experienced midfielder Kevin De Bruyne on the bench proved decisive as the Red Devils advanced to at least the quarter-final stage for the third time in their last four World Cup appearances.
