SEATTLE : Belgium swept aside the United States 4-1 on Monday to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, shrugging off the controversy surrounding FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban and allow the U.S. forward to play.
Charles De Ketelaere scored twice as Belgium booked a last-eight meeting with European champions Spain, while co-hosts the United States became the third host nation, after Canada and Mexico, to exit in the last 16.
Balogun, whose suspension was deferred after FIFA reviewed his red card following an intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump, had little influence on the match, although he won the free kick that led to the Americans’ equaliser.
“I think there was always justice somewhere in life and the fact that something can happen like that … but we don’t think that was fair,” Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin said of FIFA’s decision.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said the controversy had not distracted his players.
“We were not good enough today. We don’t need to find another excuse,” he told reporters.
“I think it wasn’t a situation that affects us.”
Belgium took the lead in the ninth minute when De Ketelaere tapped home after the United States failed to clear Raskin’s cross.
The hosts levelled in the 31st minute through a deflected Malik Tillman free kick, but De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s advantage moments later with a header at the back post.
The United States improved after halftime but any hopes of a comeback evaporated in the 57th minute when goalkeeper Matt Freese lingered on the ball outside his area, allowing substitute Hans Vanaken to score into an empty net.
Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory in stoppage time with his 93rd international goal and seventh at the World Cup, sending Belgium into the quarter-finals for the third time in the last four editions of the tournament.
“In the moments that we were doing well (in the tournament), we felt amazing,” U.S. captain Tyler Adams said.
“And then obviously, an opportunity like today, we didn’t grasp it – and it’s going to sting.”
Belgium also suffered a setback when midfielder Amadou Onana was forced off early with an injury that coach Rudi Garcia said could end his tournament.
Despite the heavy defeat, Pochettino expressed optimism about the future of the U.S. team and indicated he hoped to remain in charge.
“I think now it’s (time to) rest a little bit, to think, to have conversations, and then see what the decision is from the federation and from us,” he said.
“But I am so happy.”
