Belgium defeats USA 4-1, ending their World Cup dreams. Folarin Balogun's red card reprieve did not help the USA.
ManyPress Editorial Team
ManyPress Editorial
Key facts
- •Belgium defeated the USA 4-1, ending their World Cup dreams.
- •Folarin Balogun's red card reprieve did not seem to aid the USA.
- •Charles De Ketelaere scored two goals for Belgium.
- •Malik Tillman scored the USA's only goal with a deflected free-kick.
- •Romelu Lukaku added a late fourth goal for Belgium.
- •The USA's defeat raises questions about Donald Trump's involvement in Folarin Balogun's red card reprieve.
The USA's World Cup hopes were crushed by Belgium in a 4-1 defeat. Folarin Balogun's recent red card reprieve did not seem to aid his team, as they struggled against the Europeans.
First Half
Belgium dominated the first half, with Timothy Castagne forcing a full-stretch save from Matt Freese within the first minute. The Europeans took the lead through Charles De Ketelaere's early opener, after hesitant defending from the USA allowed Nicolas Raskin to square the ball for De Ketelaere to tap home. The USA briefly levelled the score with Malik Tillman's deflected free-kick, but De Ketelaere soon restored Belgium's lead with a headed goal from Leandro Trossard's cross.
Second Half
The USA's hopes of a comeback were further diminished when Hans Vanaken scored with a long-range effort after Matt Freese was caught in possession outside his area. Romelu Lukaku added a late fourth goal for Belgium, following another defensive error from the USA. The defeat marks the end of the USA's World Cup campaign, with questions raised about the impact of Donald Trump's involvement in Folarin Balogun's red card reprieve on the team's performance.
Timeline
- First minuteTimothy Castagne forces a full-stretch save from Matt Freese.
- 9th minuteCharles De Ketelaere scores the opening goal for Belgium.
- 31st minuteMalik Tillman scores the USA's only goal with a deflected free-kick.
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Football.
