All the talk leading up to the U.S.–Belgium match revolved around Folarin Balogun’s participation. In the end, however, Belgium was the only team that made its presence felt on the field, as the United States… was virtually absent for most of the match.

Belgium came out fully prepared, putting pressure on the shaky American defense from the very first minute, and, led by the standout performance of Charles De Ketelaere, won 4-1, triumphantly securing their spot in the World Cup quarterfinals, with Rudi Garcia fully vindicated for his game plan, as well as his decision to leave Kevin De Bruyne on the bench.

The Atalanta star scored two goals and provided one assist, leading the “Red Devils” to the quarterfinals for the fourth time and setting up a big showdown with Spain.

The Match:

Belgium pressed very high from the very first minute—a tactic that had already caused problems for the U.S. in previous tournament matches—with Freese, Freeman, Richards, and Rim making consecutive mistakes in their ball movement under pressure from the “Red Devils.” This instability allowed Belgium to easily penetrate the U.S. penalty area, and they took the lead as early as the 9th minute. Trossard sent in a cross, the U.S. defense failed to clear it, and De Ketelaere, all alone in front of the net, easily made it 1-0.

The United States managed to even things out temporarily and tied the game in the 31st minute. Balogan drew a foul in an excellent position just outside the box, Tilman took the kick, and the ball found Fanaken, who deflected it past Courtois, who was unable to prevent the 1-1 tie.

Belgium’s response, however, was immediate. Just two minutes later, Trossard delivered an excellent cross from the left, and De Ketelaere jumped higher than Rim, beating Frijs with a powerful header to make it 2-1. It was a goal identical to the “Red Devils’” first, sending them into the locker room with the lead.

The Americans tried to respond after the break, but they continued to struggle defensively, and in the 57th minute, Belgium essentially “sealed” their advancement. Fries came out of the box several meters too far, De Ketelaere, with his tenacity, kept the play alive and passed to Vanaken, who shot into the unguarded net, with Rim unable to get his foot on it properly and clearing it off the line.

The final half-hour was a formality. Belgium managed its lead flawlessly against a U.S. team that never found its rhythm, while Lukaku sealed the final 4-1 score in stoppage time, securing a well-deserved spot in the quarterfinals.

Highlights of the match

The starting lineups:

USA (Mauricio Pochettino): Friz, Freeman, Richards, Rim, Robinson (92′ Wright), McKenney, Adams (72′ Pepi), Tillman, Dest (46′ Reina), Balogun (92′ Arfsten), Pulisic (59′ Berhalter)

Belgium (Rudi Garcia): Courtois, Castagne, Mehele, Ngoi, De Keper, Tielemans, Raskin (89′ Witsel), Trossard (89′ Salemakers), Onana (21′ Vanaken), Lukebakio (68′ Doku), De Ketelaere (68′ Lukaku).

*photo source: AP