Trump cheated for nothing as USA battered by Belgium

Thankfully USA’s World Cup run ended in Seattle with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium – despite Donald Trump’s political interference. Ultimately, it was a scoreline built on defensive mistakes, sharp Belgian finishing, and a night where Folarin Balogun’s red-card reprieve offered no meaningful lift. As the Canary’s Maddison Wheeldon reported, Trump attempted to meddle:

The lawless US President lobbied FIFA in three phone calls made since 29 June to suspend a red card levelled against US striker Folarin Balogun.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side, already stretched by injuries and inconsistency, were punished repeatedly by a Belgium team that managed the game with clarity and control.

Charles De Ketelaere struck twice inside the opening 33 minutes, Hans Vanaken added a long-range third after Matt Freese’s misjudgement, and Romelu Lukaku finished the job in stoppage time. Malik Tillman’s free-kick briefly levelled the match, but the USA never recovered from conceding again within two minutes.

The defeat makes the USA the final co-hosts to exit the tournament, following Canada and Mexico out in the round of 16. Belgium move on to face Spain in the quarter-finals in Los Angeles.

Trump turns everything to shit

Belgium’s intent was clear from the opening exchanges. Timothy Castagne forced freese into a flying save with an 18-yard strike, a moment that underlined the USA’s early discomfort. Youri Tielemans then came close to turning in a Dodi Lukebakio cross, a reminder of Belgium’s ability to stretch the USA back line from wide areas.

The breakthrough arrived in the ninth minute. Leandro Trossard’s delivery caused confusion in the USA box, Nicolas Raskin fired the ball across goal and De Ketelaere arrived to tap home from close range. It was a simple finish, but the move exposed the USA defensive shape, or lack of shape. It was slow to react, slow to clear, and already under strain.

USA possession was high, but penetration was low. Belgium sat compact, waited for errors, and found them.

Momentum immediately evaporated

The USA’s first meaningful chance produced their only goal. in the 31st minute, Tillman curled a 20‑metre free-kick that took a deflection and wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois. It was his second free-kick goal of the tournament and briefly lifted a largely red‑white‑and‑blue crowd inside lumen field.

Just 116 seconds later, Trossard again found space on the left. His cross picked out De Ketelaere, who rose above Tim Ream and directed a header into the far corner. Belgium restored their lead with minimal fuss, punishing the USA’s inability to reset after scoring.

Pochettino’s frustration was visible. The USA had worked hard to get level, only to concede before they could settle.

Freese’s costly error and Vanaken’s finish

The USA’s task became harder just before the hour mark. Freese raced out of his area to clear a loose ball but failed to make contact. De Ketelaere stole possession, poked it into space and Vanaken stepped up, driving a long-range shot past ream and into an empty net.

It was a decisive moment but not dramatic, just damaging. Belgium had their third, and the USA’s defensive frailties were laid bare.

Christian Pulisic, already struggling after striking Tielemans’ boot on a shot attempt earlier in the half, was replaced soon after. His departure removed one of the USA’s few reliable attacking outlets.

Belgium in control

Belgium managed the remainder of the match with composure. They absorbed pressure, slowed the tempo and waited for openings. The USA pushed, but without clarity or rhythm.

Sebastian Berhalter fired wide from distance. Courtois denied Balogun twice, the second a sharp low save that underlined Belgium’s defensive discipline. The USA never built sustained pressure, never stitched together the phases needed to threaten a comeback.

Belgium’s fourth arrived in stoppage time. Vanaken’s pressing forced a turnover, the ball broke kindly to Lukaku, and the striker cut inside before finishing low into the corner. It sealed the result and extended his scoring streak to three straight World Cup matches.

Trump causes USA to flop and flail

They won three matches for the first time in a World Cup, but their president has stained the teams reputation by cheating.

They have now lost seven straight matches to Belgium, and 11 of their last 12 against European opposition. the round of 16 remains their ceiling since 2002.

Belgium, meanwhile, advance to the quarter-finals for the third consecutive World Cup. De Ketelaere’s brace and assist marked a standout performance, Vanaken delivered a crucial midfield display, and Lukaku added the late flourish. They will face Spain next, with a semifinal against France or Morocco on the line.

USA’s World Cup ended with controversy and chaos thanks to Trump. But it also came to an end with clear errors and a Belgium side that executed its plan with precision. Balogun’s reinstatement through cheating changed nothing. The USA were undone by defensive lapses, slow reactions, and a lack of cutting edge.

Belgium march on. The USA are rightfully humbled and sent packing.

Featured image via screenshot

By Faz Ali