Donald Trump`s direct intervention to have Folarin Balogun reinstated after his suspension sparked widespread criticism around the world. In the end, however, Balogun`s return could not prevent the co-hosts from suffering a disappointing exit in the Round of 16.
Belgium cruised into the World Cup quarter-finals with a commanding 4-1 victory over the United States at Lumen Field in Seattle on Tuesday. Inspired by Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, the Red Devils produced a dominant display to book their place in the last eight.
After earning praise throughout the tournament for their attacking football, the United States failed to reproduce that form in their biggest match. Belgium controlled proceedings from start to finish, capitalising on a series of defensive and goalkeeping errors to take firm command of the contest.
Charles De Ketelaere scored twice for Belgium, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku each added a goal. Malik Tillman netted the United States` only goal, briefly drawing the hosts level before Belgium pulled away with three unanswered goals.
The victory marked Belgium`s second World Cup knockout win over the United States in the past 12 years. It also extended the Red Devils` unbeaten run across all competitions to 18 matches.
Belgium will face 2010 world champions Spain in the quarter-finals on Friday in Inglewood, California. The winner will advance to the semi-finals to face either France or Morocco.
For the co-hosts, the defeat ended hopes of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. It also extended the United States` losing streak against Belgium to seven matches since their only victory in the rivalry at the 1930 World Cup. The Americans have now lost 11 of their last 12 matches against European opposition, with their only victory coming against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
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