The United States lost at home in the World Cup in the last 16 as Folarin Balogun showed resilience in a 4-1 win over Belgium in Seattle.
Balogun, who was sent off during the USA’s win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32, was cleared to play against Belgium, with FIFA suspending his automatic one-game ban for the year.
US President Donald Trump has confirmed reports that he called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the incident. Infantino insisted that the decision was made independently by FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee.
The decision sparked outrage in the football world and raised questions about political interference. The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was “surprised” by the unsuccessful appeal.
Despite coach Rudi Garcia leaving Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku on the bench, Belgium played like a team fueled by injustice, USA talisman Balogun was out of control as Rudi Garcia’s side took control, taking the lead in the ninth minute with the first of two goals by Charles De Ketelaere.
Malik Tillman equalized with the USA’s first shot on goal in the 31st minute, and De Ketelaare scored for Belgium two minutes later.
And there was no way back for Mauricio Pochettino’s men after a poor mistake from goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed Hans Vanaken to give Belgium a two-goal cushion, which was extended to three late on when Romelu Lukaku pounced on another defensive error, ensuring his side progressed to the last eight against Spain in emphatic fashion.
Having missed out on reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002, USA’s focus – away from the drama surrounding Balogun – will shift to Pochettino’s future. With this being linked to a return to club football, there are many chances that the game he forgets in the host nation may be his last as their coach.
Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals in Spain
Timothy Castagne got a nice assist from Freese with a long-range curling effort in an early warning to the USA, which they didn’t heed.
Belgium were soon rewarded for their early pressure as they took full advantage of the USA’s failure to clear their lines.
Nicolas Raskin played a low ball across the box to give De Ketelaere a tap-in from point blank range.
Belgium were badly injured as Amadou Onana, who was last seen walking on crutches, was forced off and replaced by Vanaken.
Vanaken was the unlucky party as Tillman’s free-kick deflected off his head and past a helpless Thibaut Courtois to level matters against the run of play.
But parity was short-lived, De Ketelaere driving home Leandro Trossard’s second from the left wing to restore Belgium’s lead, which should have been doubled when Dodi Lukebakio headed home courtesy of Maxim De Cuyper’s free-kick.
The USA went ahead after the break, but the home crowd was silenced three minutes before the hour mark as Freese was caught outside his area by De Ketelaere, Vanaken pouncing as his long-range effort was just right into the empty net.
A late USA flurry saw Sebastian Berhalter go close before Balogun was denied by Courtois.
But in reality Belgium had little difficulty seeing out a thoroughly deserved victory, the gloss on the scoreline being added as Lukaku slotted into the bottom right corner after Chris Richards had lost his place.
In the USA, it marked a disappointing end to a tumultuous day. Balogun’s case will be heated, but the USA’s trip to the World Cup, which at one time promised even more, will not.
