Belgium rout USA to book World Cup quarter-final against Spain
Belgium beat the United States 4-1 in Seattle on Monday to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. The win set up a last-eight clash with Spain and ended the hosts’ run in the tournament.
SEATTLE: Belgium swept past the United States 4-1 in their last-16 tie on Monday, knocking the tournament co-hosts out of the FIFA World Cup and setting up a quarter-final meeting with Spain.
Charles De Ketelaere gave Belgium an early advantage after nine minutes and later added his second of the game. The United States briefly recovered when Malik Tillman equalised in the 31st minute with a free-kick that took a deflection, but Belgium regained control and moved clear.
Hans Vanaken capitalised on a goalkeeping mistake to extend Belgium’s lead, while substitute Romelu Lukaku added the fourth goal to complete the win at Seattle’s Lumen Field. The result ended the Americans’ bid to reach a first World Cup quarter-final in 24 years.
The match had been preceded by controversy surrounding US striker Folarin Balogun. According to Dawn, Balogun was included in coach Mauricio Pochettino’s starting line-up after FIFA suspended a one-match ban following lobbying by US President Donald Trump. Balogun, however, made little impact as Belgium controlled the knockout contest and brought the hosts’ campaign to a heavy defeat.
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