USMNT’s World Cup ends vs. Belgium with sloppy last-16 showing; Balogun non-factor after controversy
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The U.S. men's national soccer team was eliminated from the World Cup in the round of 16 after a 4-1 loss to Belgium at Lumen Field, ending their hopes of reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
- The U.S. team played poorly in the first half, making numerous sloppy mistakes that Belgium capitalized on, including two goals by Charles De Ketelaere and a critical error by goalkeeper Matt Freese that led to an easy goal.
- Forward Folarin Balogun, who was at the center of a red-card suspension controversy, had a limited impact on the game despite some positive moments, and Belgium had formally contested his eligibility before the match.
- Christian Pulisic, who showed promise early in the tournament, left the game injured in the 59th minute, marking an unsatisfying end to his World Cup campaign without scoring any goals.
- Goalkeeper Matt Freese, starting over the usual choice Matt Turner, made a costly mistake that contributed to Belgium's comfortable lead, highlighting ongoing concerns about the U.S. team's defensive stability.
