In Seattle, Belgium turn up the heat on the United States

The air in Lumen Field was thick with noise and expectation as the Belgian delegation prepared for its World Cup knockout tie against the host nation. A late intervention by the United States president had thrown the fixture into fresh controversy before a ball was kicked. Donald Trump telephoned FIFA to request the suspension of striker Folarin Balogun be lifted, a move that drew swift condemnation from the Belgian federation. Belgium protested the decision in vain, yet the FIFA ruling stood and Balogun lined up for the Americans. The striker received a warm reception from the Seattle crowd, though he struggled to influence the game. From the outset, the United States looked overwhelmed. Belgium, without first-choice attackers Jérémy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, started with unusual sharpness. Charles De Ketelaere broke the deadlock inside seven minutes, controlling a loose ball before firing past Matt Freese.

Charles De Ketelaere strikes early as Belgium lead USA in Seattle

The Belgians spurned further chances before Malik Tillmans curled a free kick around the wall, wrong-footing Thibaut Courtois. Within two minutes, De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s lead, rising to meet a Leandro Trossard cross. The United States mustered their first clear opportunity shortly before half-time, but Balogun’s close-range effort flew high over the crossbar. Belgium continued to dictate after the interval. Matt Freese’s misjudged pass gifted Hans Vanaken an open goal, and the substitute made no mistake.

De Bruyne and Doku left out as Balogun starts for the USA against Belgium

Late drama saw the Americans pull one back when Sebastian Berhalter’s shot clipped the post and Balogun forced Courtois into a save, but the final word belonged to Belgium. Invoked striker Romelu Lukaku restored calm with a composed finish. Belgium now advance to face Spain in the quarter-finals, leaving the United States to reflect on a night that promised more than it delivered.