Belgium Routs Co-Host USMNT 4-1, Ends World Cup Run

The USMNT World Cup dream is over. Belgium routed the co-host Americans 4-1 on Monday in the round of 16 at Seattle’s Lumen Field. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice and assisted another goal.

Belgium Exposes The USMNT’s Costly Defensive Flaws

De Ketelaere opened the scoring inside 10 minutes after the U.S. failed to clear its box. Malik Tillman answered with a direct free kick, his second in as many matches. De Ketelaere then headed Belgium back in front from close range. His second goal came less than two minutes after Tillman’s equalizer. Belgium carried a 2-1 lead into halftime in Seattle.

Belgium entered ranked ninth by FIFA and unbeaten across its last 18 matches. The Red Devils fired six shots in the first 11 minutes. De Ketelaere finished with two goals and one assist on the night. Hans Vanaken pushed the lead to 3-1 just before the hour mark. Belgium controlled possession for long stretches after the opening goal.

Malik Tillman gave the U.S. its lone highlight with another set-piece strike. His free kick tied the match at 1-1 in the first half. Tillman has now scored in back-to-back World Cup matches. The Americans created little else against Belgium’s disciplined block.

Defensive mistakes doomed the Americans from the opening whistle. Goalkeeper Matt Freese slipped up outside his box, and Hans Vanaken finished into an unguarded net. Romelu Lukaku came off the bench and scored in stoppage time off another U.S. error. Three of Belgium’s four goals followed U.S. defensive breakdowns. The U.S. back line struggled to contain De Ketelaere all night.

Christian Pulisic and several U.S. starters drew poor marks in postmatch ratings. Mauricio Pochettino turned to Gio Reyna at halftime, hoping to spark the attack. The substitution could not slow Belgium’s rhythm after the break. Folarin Balogun played after FIFA delayed his red-card suspension by a year. Even at full strength, the Americans could not contain Belgium.

The result ends the U.S. run at its home World Cup in the round of 16. Belgium advances to the quarterfinals and will meet Spain in Los Angeles. Spain reached the last eight by eliminating Portugal. Belgium stretched its unbeaten streak to 19 matches with the victory. The Red Devils reached the quarterfinals for the third time in four World Cups.

Belgium now meets Spain with a semifinal berth on the line. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku anchor Belgium’s dangerous attack. The USMNT faces hard questions after a four-goal defeat on home soil. Pochettino’s group will not play again at this World Cup.

This report draws on match coverage from ESPN and CBS Sports.