- Belgium knocked out the co-hosts United States with a 4-1 victory in the World Cup round of 16.
- Belgium took the lead in the ninth minute when Nicolas Raskin's pass was tapped in by De Ketelaere.
- The US equalized in the 31st minute with a deflected free-kick from Malik Tillman.
- De Ketelaere restored Belgium's lead just two minutes later with a header from Leandro Trossard's cross.
- A costly error by US goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed Hans Vanaken to score Belgium's third goal early in the second half.
- Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory with a fourth goal in the 93rd minute.
- Following the match, Belgium taunted with the phrase 'Overturn this' as they advanced to face Spain in the quarter-finals.
- The US exited the World Cup as the last co-host remaining after the defeats of Mexico and Canada.
- The match was marred by controversy as FIFA overturned Folarin Balogun's red card after lobbying from Donald Trump, leading to outrage from Belgium and other nations.
- Belgium captain Youri Tielemans stated that the Balogun controversy motivated the team, saying they held a meeting to focus on their performance.
- Thibaut Courtois, Belgium's goalkeeper, mentioned a lack of respect shown towards his team in the lead-up to the match.
Belgium's emphatic 4-1 victory over the United States in the World Cup's last-16 round not only secured their place in the quarter-finals but also highlighted the impact of a controversial decision regarding Folarin Balogun's red card.1910
Belgium took an early lead with Charles de Ketelaere scoring twice, first tapping in a pass from Nicolas Raskin in the ninth minute and then heading in a cross from Leandro Trossard just two minutes later. The U.S. equalized in the 31st minute through a deflected free-kick by Malik Tillman, but Belgium regained control in the second half. De Ketelaere capitalized on a mistake by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese, allowing Hans Vanaken to score from outside the penalty area. Romelu Lukaku sealed the win with a late goal, making it 4-1.23456
The match was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Balogun's overturned red card, which had been lobbied for by Donald Trump. Belgium's players expressed their motivation stemming from this incident, with captain Youri Tielemans stating, 'We told ourselves we needed to do our talking on the pitch.' Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois added that the team faced a 'lack of respect' leading up to the match. The Belgian team's social media post after the victory read, 'Overturn this,' mocking the U.S. claims of unfair advantage.711
Belgium will now face Spain in the quarter-finals, while the U.S. reflects on a disappointing exit from the tournament, having been the last co-host remaining after the defeats of Mexico and Canada.8
“Charles de Ketelaere scored twice in the first half, but Malik Tillman leveled the score with a deflected free-kick. The match turned when US goalkeeper Matt Freese hesitated on the ball, allowing de Ketelaere to set up Hans Vanaken for a calamitous third goal.”
The Guardian
