Belgium dominated the match, fueled by two first-half goals from Charles De Ketelaere, a capitalizing strike from Hans Vanaken following an error by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese, and a stoppage-time goal by Romelu Lukaku.
The lone goal for the Americans was a deflected free kick by Malik Tillman.
The match was preceded by controversy surrounding the status of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, who was cleared to play after his red-card suspension was lifted following an unusual intervention from President Donald Trump, a decision that players on the Belgian side admitted gave them extra motivation.
With the defeat, the U.S. joins co-hosts Canada and Mexico as eliminated teams, while Belgium advances to play Spain in the quarterfinals."
MEIDAS TOUCH:
THE TRUMP EFFECT: The USA just lost to Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16 by a score of 4-1, right after Trump personally called FIFA to clear star striker Balogun to play.
Sports fans are calling it the Trump curse.
He attended the Super Bowl and predicted a Chiefs win, but the Eagles blew them out.
He was there when the Commanders hosted the Lions and lost at home.
He watched from a suite as Miami fell in the College Football National Championship.
He sat in the owner’s suite when the Knicks snapped their huge playoff streak in NBA Finals Game 3.
And he attended the Ryder Cup where Europe topped the US team.
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