Ragged USA crash out of World Cup with last-16 defeat to Belgium
The United States are out of the World Cup as Belgium eliminated the co-hosts in the last 16 at Seattle Stadium on Monday night
The US were looking to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002 but they looked nervy and unsettled from the start of the match, and quickly fell behind when Charles De Ketelaere poked home in the ninth minute
The Americans fought back and Malik Tillman scored from a direct free-kick for the second match in a row in the 31st minute. But the goal did little to calm the US and Belgium scored just two minutes later. On the sideline a frustrated Mauricio Pochettino kicked over some water bottles. Things would get worse. In the 57th minute Matt Freese rushed out of his area to collect a long ball but lost possession. Hans Vanaken rolled the ball home. Romelu Lukaku would complete the victory with a smart finish in added time.
The US’s elimination came after a remarkable buildup to the match when striker Folarin Balogun had his red card from the last-32 game suspended, meaning he could start against Belgium. Fifa’s decision to suspend the red card came after lobbying from Donald Trump, which led to backlash from around the football world
The defeat means this World Cup’s three co-hosts – Mexico, the US and Canada – have all been eliminated
Belgium will play Spain in the quarter-finals
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