Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in the World Cup Round of 16 on Monday night in Seattle, advancing to the quarter-finals.
The match was marked by pre-game controversy. U.
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S. striker Folarin Balogun was allowed to play after FIFA reversed a red card suspension.
U. S.
President Donald Trump said he personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request the reversal.
Belgium took an early lead 10 minutes into the match. Malik Tillman equalized for the U.
S. from a first-half free kick.
Belgium regained the lead one minute later.
In the second half, Belgium added a third goal after pulling the American goalkeeper out of his box.
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A final goal came during stoppage time.
United States star Christian Pulisic left the game in the second half due to injury. Balogun did not score.
After Romelu Lukaku's goal in the closing seconds, Belgian players celebrated by mimicking Trump's trademark dance.
American fans at Haven Beer Company in Hamden, Connecticut, expressed mixed emotions. "Belgium's tough; they're not easy," said fan Derek Bereski.
He noted the U. S.
has a quality roster and expects improvement in four years. "It is a little disappointing," he added.
Fan Fernando said, "The best team on the field wins; mistakes catch up."
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Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals. The United States' tournament run is over.
