Belgium booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals with a convincing 4-1 victory over hosts the United States on Tuesday, as Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in a match overshadowed by controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's eligibility.
The result sends Belgium into a last-eight meeting with Spain, while the United States join fellow co-hosts Canada and Mexico in exiting the tournament at the round-of-16 stage.Attention before kick-off centred on Balogun, whose one-match suspension following a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina was lifted after FIFA reviewed the sanction. The decision came after US President Donald Trump publicly called on the governing body to reconsider the ban, prompting widespread debate among fans and commentators.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia also made notable changes, leaving Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku on the bench. The move paid immediate dividends as De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute, finishing from close range after Nicolas Raskin's cross evaded the US defence.
The United States equalised on the half-hour through Malik Tillman, whose free-kick took a deflection off the Belgian wall before finding the net.
However, Belgium restored their lead just three minutes later when De Ketelaere headed home Leandro Trossard's cross for his second goal of the match.
Mauricio Pochettino's side made a more aggressive start to the second half, but their hopes suffered a major setback in the 57th minute following a costly error by goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Freese hesitated after collecting a long ball, allowing De Ketelaere to dispossess him before Hans Vanaken scored into an unguarded net from distance.
The United States' task became even more difficult when captain Christian Pulisic was forced off with an injury shortly afterwards.
Substitute Sebastian Berhalter went close with a long-range effort in the closing stages, while Balogun saw a close-range attempt saved.
Belgium completed the scoring in stoppage time after Chris Richards surrendered possession to Romelu Lukaku, who calmly finished to seal a comprehensive victory.
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