Last Host Out! Belgium Unfazed by Balogun Controversy

With the USA, the last host also exits in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup; against Belgium, it's over after a 1:4 finish.

The match was overshadowed even before kick-off by FIFA's revoked red card ban against Folarin Balogun, after Donald Trump reportedly intervened (>>> all info).

The striker is therefore in the starting eleven but plays no significant role sportingly in the early stages. Belgium starts much stronger, Timothy Castagne forces US keeper Matt Freese into a top save as early as the second minute, Youri Tielemans misses a good cross, but in the ninth minute, the ball is in the net.

After a blocked cross from the left, the ball goes back to the "Red Devils". Nicolas Raskin is quick to react and snatches the ball, then plays the perfect pass to Charles De Ketelaere, who confidently slots it in.

De Ketelaere with Perfect Response After Equalizer

The Belgians remained the better team, yet the USA managed to equalize out of nowhere: Balogun won a free-kick, Malik Tillman stepped up, and his shot was deflected by the Belgian wall, making it unstoppable (31.).

Belgium, however, showed a strong reaction; less than two minutes later, Leandro Trossard dribbled strongly down the left flank and delivered a pristine cross to De Ketelaere, who showed great aerial prowess to head home from close range, securing his brace (33.).

Just before halftime, Dodi Lukebakio also had a chance to extend the lead with a header but put it wide left, while on the other end, Balogun shot over after a corner.

US Keeper's Error Proves Decisive

After the break, the US boys came into the game a bit better, but without becoming truly dangerous. Instead, goalkeeper Freese made a costly blunder; after initially intercepting and controlling a long ball from the Belgians, he stumbled, losing it to De Ketelaere, from whom the ball went to Hans Vanaken. He remained calm and made it 3:1.

Subsequently, the USA appeared committed and motivated but couldn't find proper solutions. Belgium primarily focused on defense and confidently ran down the clock.

Lukaku Puts the Seal on It

The only dangerous moments came from a long-range shot by Sebastian Berhalter, which missed the target, and a Balogun attempt where goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois distinguished himself.

In the end, however, the Americans were tired, and Belgium even managed a fourth goal, with substitute Romelu Lukaku turning well and finishing into the far corner to seal the victory (90+3.).

In the quarter-finals, Belgium will face Spain on Friday. With the USA's elimination, all three World Cup hosts have now exited in the Round of 16.