Belgium knocked the United States out of the World Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory in the round of 16 at Lumen Field.
Charles De Ketelaere scored twice and added an assist as the Red Devils ended the co-hosts’ hopes of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in 24 years.
The Americans started brightly but were undone by defensive errors and a costly mistake from goalkeeper Matt Freese. It was the fourth time in the last five World Cups that the USMNT have exited at this stage.
Belgium struck early. De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute after the US failed to clear their lines, tapping home from Nicolas Raskin’s cross.
Malik Tillman equalised in the 31st minute with a deflected free-kick, his second such goal of the tournament. The tie lasted just 116 seconds. De Ketelaere rose above Tim Ream to head home Leandro Trossard’s cross, restoring Belgium’s lead before half-time.
The US pushed for an equaliser after the break. Instead, Belgium doubled their lead in the 57th minute. Freese left his area to play a long ball but miskicked, allowing Hans Vanaken to score into an empty net.
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Christian Pulisic was substituted with injury in the 59th minute. Romelu Lukaku added a fourth in stoppage time after another defensive giveaway.
Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals in Inglewood, California. For the United States, the World Cup is over. Defensive frailties and a lack of cutting edge proved costly against a ruthless European side.
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