Belgium Crush USA 4-1 To Set Up World Cup Quarter-Final Clash With Spain

Belgium delivered a commanding performance to defeat the United States 4-1 on Sunday, securing a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals and ending the hosts’ hopes of a deep run in the tournament.

Charles De Ketelaere starred with a brace as Belgium outclassed a subdued USA side that struggled to make an impact despite the return of striker Folarin Balogun.

Balogun returned 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 requested a review of the suspension.

Belgium opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Nicolas Raskin squared the ball across goal for De Ketelaere to finish from close range.

The United States levelled in the 31st minute after Malik Tillman’s free-kick took a heavy deflection off Hans Vanaken and found the net.

Belgium restored their lead just two minutes later as De Ketelaere headed home a pinpoint cross from Leandro Trossard to complete his second goal of the match.

The visitors tightened their grip after the break when De Ketelaere dispossessed goalkeeper Matt Freese, allowing Vanaken to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner.

Substitute Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the victory in stoppage time with a low finish from a tight angle to make it 4-1.

Belgium will now face Spain national football team in the quarter-finals after Spain edged Portugal national football team 1-0.

The defeat also means all three World Cup co-hosts have exited the tournament, with Mexico eliminated by England and Canada knocked out by Morocco.

Coached by Mauricio Pochettino, the United States had hoped to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002 but produced an underwhelming display in one of the country’s biggest football matches in recent years.

Balogun, who entered the match with three tournament goals, was unable to add to his tally. His best chance came late in the contest, but Thibaut Courtois made a fine save to preserve Belgium’s comfortable lead.

The result extends the USA’s disappointing World Cup record, with the Americans now eliminated in the Round of 16 in four of their last five appearances at the tournament.