Belgium Dominates USA 4-1 to Reach World Cup Quarterfinals; Host Nation Eliminated

Belgium dominated the match, securing a decisive 4-1 victory over host nation USA to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals. The win marked a significant upset, ending the tournament run for the American team.

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We told each other that we have to show what we are capable of on the pitch, and that is exactly what we did today.

Charles De Ketelaere was the standout player, scoring the opening goal in the ninth minute and regaining the lead for Belgium just a minute after the USA had equalized. Hans Vanaken extended Belgium's advantage in the 57th minute after capitalizing on a goalkeeping error, and Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory with a late goal in stoppage time.

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We played with real fighting spirit.

The match was overshadowed by controversy surrounding the eligibility of American player Folarin Balogun. Despite a previous red card, his suspension was controversially lifted after an alleged phone call from then-President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. However, Balogun had a subdued performance and was substituted shortly before Belgium's final goal.

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We knew that if we put pressure on them, they would make mistakes.

With this loss, all three host nations, USA, Mexico, and Canada, are now eliminated from the World Cup. US coach Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged the team's inability to perform as they had in previous matches, stating, "We must analyze the match and find out why we did not approach it in the same way as we have in the rest of the World Cup." Belgium will face Spain in the quarterfinals on July 10.

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Everyone saw from the start that we did not manage to get into the game.