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Belgium will face Spain in the Quarter-Finals at the Los Angeles Stadium on July 11
Reuters
Belgium dumped the United States out of their own World Cup on Monday in Seattle, winning 4-1 as Charles De Ketelaere's brace overshadowed a bitter row over Folarin Balogun's suspension. The result sends Belgium into the quarter-finals against Spain. The US follow co-hosts Canada and Mexico out of the tournament at the round of 16 stage.
Why was Folarin Balogun's World Cup place controversial?
Balogun faced a one-game suspension for a red card shown against Bosnia and Herzegovina. US President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review the ban, and FIFA controversially agreed, clearing Balogun to start.
The decision drew sharp criticism from fans, pundits and players around the world before kickoff.
How did Belgium beat the US 4-1?
Belgium's team held surprises of its own, with Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku left on the bench. Coach Rudi Garcia's changes paid off as De Ketelaere scored early to silence the crowd in Seattle.
Malik Tillman pulled one back from a free kick, but De Ketelaere restored Belgium's lead soon after.
What went wrong for the US in the second half?
A costly goalkeeping error from Matt Freese let Belgium extend their lead in the 57th minute. Freese came out to collect a long ball, hesitated under pressure from De Ketelaere, and gave the ball away. De Ketelaere set up Hans Vanaken, who scored into an open goal, before Romelu Lukaku added a late fourth in stoppage time after Chris Richards gifted him the ball.
How did the Balogun row play out on the pitch?
The Seattle crowd gave Balogun's name a huge roar during the pre-match lineup announcement, louder even than the cheer for US talisman Christian Pulisic. Balogun drew a foul that set up Tillman's equalising goal and later had a close-range effort saved. Pulisic limped off injured in the second half, ending any hope of a US fightback.
What happens next for the US and Belgium?
US coach Mauricio Pochettino switched formation at half-time, moving Gio Reyna into a number 10 role, but the changes could not turn the game around. The exit ends the co-host's World Cup campaign in the round of 16. Belgium now face Spain in the quarter-finals as they continue their own World Cup run.
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