The U.S. men's national team's World Cup dream ended Monday night at Lumen Field in Seattle in a lopsided, mistake-filled 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16.
Through self-inflicted wounds, and with all the positive hype surrounding the team's performances, the squad failed to assert itself, struggling for much of the 90 minutes as Belgium's technical ability and strength guided the Europeans into the last eight, where they will face Spain on Friday.
Credit must be given to Belgium manager Rudi Garcia, who kept his team focused and also made the massive call of benching Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, and it worked. Of course, the Red Devils also had the added motivation of Folarin Balogun's suspension being overturned thanks to a strange interjection, but if a team needs extra motivation for a World Cup match, they have already lost. And when they took the field on Monday, it seemed from kickoff as if they had already won.
Belgium took the lead in the ninth minute on a Charles De Ketelaere point blank finish before Malik Tillman's deflected free kick pulled the U.S. level just past the half hour mark, only for De Ketelaere to restore the Belgian lead minutes later with his second goal of the game. That sequence set the tone for a night defined by sloppiness rather than cohesion. The USMNT looked disconnected for long stretches, and the discomfort showed up across the field, not just in the back. Sergino Dest was removed at the break after a horrid first half, while the United States looked better to start the second half but were still searching for cohesion in the final third, unable to translate control into anything resembling a coherent attack.
The dagger then came off an unthinkable error. Goalkeeper Matt Freese mishandled a kick well outside the box, and Belgium pounced with a Hans Vanaken goal from distance, with Tim Ream appearing to be in position to block it, but missing the ball entirely. It was the kind of individual and collective breakdown that no amount of pregame prep could have prevented, an unthinkable breakdown in focus that ruined any chance of coming back.
Down two goals, the USMNT enjoyed plenty of possession in the second half but couldn't crack the Belgian defense and then Romelu Lukaku converted in added time after another American mistake, ending their tournament short of the quarterfinal round, which would have matched their best finish since 2002.
While the U.S. did finally win a knockout match at the World Cup for the first time since 2002, the fact that the journey came to an end at the same stage as it did four years ago, in the round of 16, has to sting. Going one round further but in a tournament that expanded to an include an extra knockout round is just running on a treadmill to stay in the same place. The USMNT never seemed to be in the game facing Belgium, and it's how they failed to step up to the pressure after Pochettino prepared them that hurts. Christian Pulisic leaving with an injury didn't help things, but it was over even while he was still on the pitch.
During the World Cup, the best defense for the USMNT has been their attack, and losing that when it mattered led to this breakdown. They'll be back, and plenty of players who were in this roster will be part of the squad in 2003 if the United States is able to qualify for that World Cup, but now begins a tough process. Does Pochettino sign up for another cycle? How many players of this squad will be core members then? All of that begins now as they sit and watch the World Cup conclude instead of preparing to face Spain.
Lukaku puts an emphasis on the game, and this is one that will hurt for this team. It's now a worse margin than four years ago, and Belgium are going to the quarterfinals.
This is an appropriate number, but the fans aren't happy as time is running out.
Max Arfsten is about to make his World Cup debut, Belgium will know a thing or two about late winners, and that they can't switch off at the end of this match, but this also isn't a USMNT who looks like they'll score two in quick succession either.
It doesn't come until the 81st minute from Balogun. The United States are bombing forward, but is it too little too late?
He took a shot that went just wide, but it brought life back into the stadium as the fans are still believing that the USMNT can win this.
20 minutes left for glory or to end the misery. Ricardo Pepi is about to come on, and we'll see what happens.
This is when it gets quite concerning. Freese can't clear the ball with his foot and has his pocket picked, and Vanaken scores on an empty net. Total letdown here.
The USMNT are pressing better, and Belgium are making some mistakes. The USMNT wants a free kick after Pulisic was fouled, but it doesn't seem like that should be one.
Dest had a poor first half so there will be a change at winger. Pochettino staked his flag in the ground in bringing Reyna to this World Cup, and now will be the time for him to show why he's here.
The high of Tillman's goal only lasted for a second, and now it's time for this team to dig deep. They showed resilience against Bosnia and Herzegovina during the round of 32, and hopefully there is more left for the second half.
The USMNT are still in the game and at this point, they just have to survive to the half. It would be great to equalize, but this just can't get worse.
Belgium answers right back after Tillman's goal with Trossard beating Sergino Dest, and De Ketelaere scores a header to put the Red Devils back up in the 33rd minute. This was only level for two minutes.
This man is absolute nails yet again, scoring a free kick in a second consecutive game, and this match is now level. There's ice in your veins, and there's what Tillman is doing right now in taking over the World Cup, WOW.
Chants of USA rang out before the hydration break, and then they erupted for Living on a Prayer during it. Now that the team has had time to talk to Pochettino, it's important to see who steps up.
It's an early sub for the Belgians as Hans Vanaken comes in for Amadou Onana after the midfielder picked up a knock. This could be a chance for the USMNT to push the pace given the early change.
The midfield is being overrun, and you can't recognize this team from the one who defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina. They still have around 11 minutes until the water break, and it's needed badly so that Pochettino can tweak things. Belgium have taken seven shots while the USMNT still hasn't taken one 17 minutes in, and they won't win like that.
Within 10 minutes, the United States trails in the match after another ball isn't cleared, and it's crossed right into De Ketelaere in front of the goal. Pochettino isn't happy with what just happened, as it was a sloppy goal.
Castagne fired a rocket from outside the box after the USMNT failed to clear their lines, and Freese made a massive save to keep Belgium from scoring within 10 minutes. That's a big one as Belgium brings out the best in USMNT goalkeepers.
It is LOUD in Seattle, and after anthems have rang out around the stadium, these teams are ready to get things underway in a match that doesn't feel like your average round of 16 clash.
Rudi Garcia needs to do what he can to light a fire under his team, considering how their performances at this World Cup have looked so far during this tournament. Belgium have yet to play a complete game of soccer, and while they'll have their moments against the United States, Balogun being available is a massive boon that will push the USMNT to victory. Pick: United States 2, Belgium 1
Belgium's lineup rings in the surprises with Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne both on the bench to start the match. They could still wreak havoc off the bench, but the USMNT won't be too sad with these changes.
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois, Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Nathan Ngoy, Maxim De Cuyper, Hans Vanaken, Youri Tilemans, Leandro Trossard, Nicolas Raskin, Dodi Lukebakio, Charles De Ketelare
Thibaut Courtois: Jeremy Doku is the obvious answer but he is not the only Belgium player capable of changing the game all by himself. Thibaut Courtois has been a top-tier goalkeeper for more than a decade now and like Doku, could very simply come up with a batch of impressive saves that look all the more dazzling thanks to his 6'7" frame. He will be up for the task of facing an attack-minded USMNT, without a doubt. -- Pardeep Cattry
Trossard: Doku's dangerous, sure, but this has been the World Cup of Leandro Trossard. With two goals and an assist so far, he has been taking the initiative to push Belgium's attack even when others seem fearful to do so. I don't particularly know what's going on with this Belgium team but I do know that Trossard is going to shoot and leave everything on the pitch for the Red Devils. -- Chuck Booth
Doku: He's one of the most dangerous wingers with the ball at his feet. He's relentless, attacking the box and at his best creating for others. Doku terrorized the USMNT right flank when they met in a pre-tournament friendly. He's pretty unstoppable. He's going to create chances for Belgium, the USMNT's saving grace might be that there won't be anybody there to finish them. -- Mike Goodman
Doku: I just think that if he can get into wide spaces and run towards the box with pace, he can score or create, but he can also draw fouls that could be punishable from set pieces. I expect him to see a lot of the ball and be the deciding factor in their attack. -- Roger Gonzalez
Keeping Jeremy Doku at bay: The USMNT will like their chances against a Belgium team that has not been all that impressive in attack at this World Cup but in Jeremy Doku, the Red Devils have a dynamic player who can single-handedly win a game for Belgium if need be. He already did it against the U.S. in a 5-2 friendly win in March, though a more experimental version of Pochettino's team played that day. Even at full strength, USMNT would struggle to defend Doku, though, because everybody struggles to defend Doku. Finding a way to limit him, though, means the margin for error shrinks considerably. -- Pardeep Cattry
Getting the best out of Dest: The best defense for the United States has been their attack, and while Sergino Dest was excellent to open the World Cup against Paraguay, there was a bit of a drop off when facing Bosnia and Herzegovina. Belgium has their players who will hurt you, and I'm not sure that the United States can do much to avoid the Red Devils scoring, but Belgium will allow chances. Take those and don't fall apart in the 80th minute and that's a win. Dest has the dynamism to make that happen. -- Chuck Booth
Staying aggressive: Pochettino has this team playing on the front foot. They don't necessarily need to have the ball all the time, but when they get it they need to attack quickly, and crucially, with numbers. Midfielders McKennie and Tillman need to be breaking forward into the box, supporting Dest and Pulisic attacking the box with the ball at their feet. Belgium's weapons, like Doku and De Bruyne are scary, but if the USMNT are cowed into being conservative in their positioning to counteract them they'll be taken completely out of their game. They need to trust what's gotten them, and be willing to try and outscore this Belgium side-- Mike Goodman
Dealing with Belgium's individual technical ability: Look, we've been told to look out for Belgium at every tournament since 2010. Sure, they made a great run in 2018, but they never convinced during their golden age to truly contend. Those past teams were better, but this team still has so much quality. Not even considering Thibaut Courtois in goal, the world's best in his position, I think the concern rests more with what players like Leandro Trossard and Jeremy Doku can do. They both can be individually brilliant, and I suspect that if they can get on the ball enough, they will cause serious trouble for this USA backline. -- Roger Gonzalez
Tim Howard set the saves record with 16 in 120 minutes while losing 2-1 to Belgium during the 2014 World Cup round of 16, and this is a moment to make up for that disappointment with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line. While this team won't dwell on the past, it's something that makes this game a little more meaningful than others.
To the surprise of no one, Balogun is in the starting XI and will be critical in the match, but eyes will also be on Christian Pulisic. Having shaken off the rust from his own thigh injury, it's a good time for him to have a breakout performance at the World Cup, when a fast start will go a long way.
United States XI: Matt Freese, Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman, Weston McKennie, Sergino Dest, Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun
Pochettino has made it clear that his side should only be judged by what they do at the World Cup, and so far, so good on that account. Making the round of 16 was the minimum expectation for this side, and this match versus Belgium is what will determine if this is a successful World Cup or not. But now, after the shock suspension of Folarin Balogun's red card, meaning that the striker will be available for the game, it changes the calculus for the team. They won't have to figure out how to perform without their star striker, and while they've already shown that they can step up if needed, this will now be a game to get back to their best against a Belgium side who aren't very happy.
Allows the USMNT to stick to their guns: Belgium are the oddsmakers' favorites for a reason, but this version of the U.S. team does not fit the archetype of the underdog, in large part because they have done well in an attack-minded, high-intensity setup. Conventional wisdom would suggest that they prioritize defensive stability and head coach Mauricio Pochettino just might bake it into the game plan but it seems unlikely that they will shed their identity. Balogun is a key part of the approach, so expect another aggressive, competitive match for the U.S. team. -- Pardeep Cattry
Win the game: While I don't want to say that the USMNT can't win without Balogun in the lineup, it's fair to say that their options after him are uninspiring. I'm a big Ricardo Pepi fan, and he has a role in this team, but leading the line he struggled at the World Cup, Haji Wright has been managing an injury, and while Christian Pulisic can play the nine, it's far from his best postion. Balogun has been a revelation leading the line for this team being able to create his own shot and make things happen, and the team is better for it. -- Chuck Booth
Tips the balance in a close match: Everything suggests this match will be a close one. The odds, the projection models, the history, it all suggests a tight battle. In that situation, the smallest of margins can make the difference. Balogun isn't the USMNT's best player, but against Bosnia and Herzegovina he was, at least for the hour he was on the pitch. He would have been irreplaceable. Without him, Belgium was a small favorite; with him, the USMNT should be. -- Mike Goodman
It makes them favorites again: I did not care for the team's chances against Belgium without him, I'm not all that convinced with him, but they certainly have a much better chance with the AS Monaco guy in the lineup. His versatility and speed open up a ton of space, especially for players who like to trail into the box from wide positions. He's been prolific, and simply put, he's been the team's best player in this tournament. It's a massive boost for the Americans. -- Roger Gonzalez
Pardeep Cattry has us covered with some background on this unprecedented situation.
United States: Matt Freese, Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman, Weston McKennie, Sergino Dest, Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois, Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper, Hans Vanaken, Youri Tilemans, Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Romelu Lukaku
Date: Monday, July 6 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Lumen Field -- Seattle, Wash.
TV: FOX (Eng), Telemundo (Spa) | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
Odds: United States +160; Draw +240; Belgium +170
