Belgium Eliminate U.S. From World Cup After Balogun Suspension Row
The United States crashed out of the World Cup on Monday following a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the last 16.
Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in a match overshadowed by FIFA’s unprecedented decision to suspend a ban for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun following an intervention from President Donald Trump.
Despite his clearance to play after receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun had minimal impact on the pitch. The 25-year-old did secure the free kick that resulted in Tillman’s first-half equaliser.
Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin, who assisted De Ketelaere’s opening goal, suggested the controversy surrounding Balogun’s eligibility spurred his team on.
«I think there was always justice somewhere in life and the fact that something can happen like that … but we don’t think that was fair,» Raskin said.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino dismissed suggestions the administrative dispute distracted his squad, blaming the exit on a poor performance against a superior opponent.
«We were not good enough today, we don’t need to find another excuse,» Pochettino told reporters. «I think it wasn’t a situation that affects us.»
The U.S. struggled with Belgium’s intensity from the opening whistle. As the crowd began their first chant of the match, Timothy Castagne forced U.S. goalkeeper Freese into a fingertip save. Youri Tielemans missed an early opportunity before De Ketelaere converted Raskin’s cross after the American defence failed to clear the ball.
A first-half injury to Amadou Onana briefly disrupted Belgium’s momentum. Head coach Rudi Garcia warned the issue could prematurely end the midfielder’s tournament.
The U.S. found a lifeline after a hydration break when Tillman scored but they quickly conceded another cheap goal to cede control for the remainder of the match. Reflecting on the elimination, U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams acknowledged the missed opportunity.
«In the moments that we were doing well, we felt amazing,» Adams said. «And then obviously, an opportunity like today, we didn’t grasp it – and it’s gonna sting.»
