Belgium Cruise Past USA to Reach World Cup Quarter-finals

Darwin, 07 July : Playing a FIFA World Cup on home soil, the United States exceeded expectations with an impressive run to the Round of 16. However, the hosts’ dream of reaching the quarter-finals came to an end after a defeat to Belgium.

In the Round of 16 match on Tuesday morning (Bangladesh time), Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 to book their place in the quarter-finals. The Red Devils silenced the home crowd with a commanding performance.

Belgium started the match on the front foot and took the lead in the ninth minute through Charles De Ketelaere. The forward capitalized on a chance inside the penalty area and finished calmly to put his side ahead.

The United States equalized in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman’s free-kick took a deflection off a defender and found the back of the net. However, the hosts’ joy lasted only two minutes. In the 33rd minute, De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s lead with a powerful header, scoring his second goal of the match to make it 2-1 at halftime.

The Americans pushed for an equalizer after the break but were punished for a costly mistake. Goalkeeper Matt Freese lost control of the ball after rushing outside the penalty area to clear it. Maxim De Cuyper seized the opportunity and squared the ball to Hans Vanaken. Although Tim Ream attempted to clear Vanaken’s effort, he failed to do so, and the ball rolled into the net, giving Belgium a 3-1 advantage.

Belgium sealed the victory in the third minute of stoppage time when Romelu Lukaku scored the fourth goal, confirming the United States’ elimination. With the defeat, all three host nations were knocked out in the Round of 16, while Belgium advanced to the last eight.

Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals on July 9 in Los Angeles. Spain secured their place in the last eight after eliminating Portugal earlier the same day.