Belgium advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals by defeating the United States 4-1 in the round of 16 on Monday night at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Charles De Ketelaere scored twice and provided one assist, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added goals to extend Belgium's unbeaten streak to 18 matches.
The defeat marked the heaviest World Cup loss for the U. S.
squad since a 5-1 opening-match defeat against Czechoslovakia in 1990.
The Americans suffered early defensive lapses and a major second-half error by goalkeeper Matt Freese, while star forward Christian Pulisic was forced off with a right ankle injury in the 52nd minute.
The loss eliminated the final remaining CONCACAF nation from the tournament, leaving the U. S.
with 11 defeats in their last 12 games against European opponents.
Reaction from the U.S. Camp
“It stinks,” said U. S.
midfielder Tyler Adams, reflecting on the missed opportunity to progress further on home soil.
“This was a moment to have an opportunity to advance and really try and do something special. We fell short.”
Adams noted that the squad had aimed to elevate the sport's profile domestically before the crowd of 66,925 fans.
“A goal was obviously to inspire people that the sport was growing in the U. S.
, which I think we saw. The support was unbelievable,” he said.
“In this moment we let them down.”
U. S.
manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed disappointment with the non-linear progression of the national team program. “A very bad day,” he said.
“It’s not like you are in a rocket and you improve and you grow. ...
It’s not linear.”
Young U. S.
defender Alex Freeman acknowledged the pressure felt by the squad during the crucial knockout match.
“Everyone had nerves, right, because we knew how much this meant for the whole country, not just our team,” he said.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese took responsibility for his misjudgment on Belgium's third goal early in the second half.
“Obviously disappointed for my involvement and error in judgment on the third goal,” he said.
Pulisic voiced frustration with his personal tournament performance and the team's inability to overcome a top-tier opponent.
“I didn’t quite have the moments I was hoping to and to try to help us to really push and get over this next step of beating a really good team,” he said.
“I’m disappointed with myself, of course, but I’m going to try and stay positive. I did a lot of good things and the team did, as well.”
Belgium Looks Ahead
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans expressed confidence as the Red Devils prepare for a Friday quarterfinal matchup against Spain in Inglewood, California.
“We showed that we’re ready and we want to perform,” he said.
