FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The Belgian team was clearly superior to the USA, winning 4-1 and eliminating the third World Cup host. In the quarterfinals they will face Spain…
Everything that happened with the Balogun case and the great mobilization in the USA to support the team's dream proved to be in vain. Belgium, clearly superior in football terms from start to finish in the match held in Seattle, for the 1/8 finals of the 2026 World Cup, easily defeated the Americans with a score of 4-1.
Thus, the third tournament organizer was also eliminated, after Canada (by Morocco) and Mexico (by England) had previously been eliminated.
The characteristic energy and attacking momentum of the Americans were neutralized by the intelligent and quality football of the "Red Devils". The Belgians showed their strength in the first minutes, quickly took the lead with an excellent Charles De Ketelaere, were not affected by Tillman's lucky equalizer and immediately regained the advantage again with the same player. With good tactical organization, they kept the Americans away from their goal and, after a mistake by goalkeeper Freese, scored with Vanaken, sealing the victory. In the end, Romelu Lukaku gave even deeper dimensions to the triumph.
In the round of 16, all matches between European teams and representatives from other continents ended in victories for teams from the "Old Continent". France eliminated Paraguay, Norway eliminated Brazil, England eliminated Mexico and now Belgium eliminated the USA.
In the quarter-finals, the Red Devils will face Spain. The match will take place in Los Angeles on Friday (July 10), at 9:00 p.m.
match
Belgium created the first chance in the opening seconds. Tielemans tried first with a shot that was deflected, while Castagne forced Freese to make a spectacular save just 45 seconds into the match.
The Belgians started the match much better. In the 8th minute, they had a great move, but Tielemans, from the penalty spot, did not hit the ball well and missed a good opportunity.
A minute later, Belgium took the lead. Trossard crossed from the left, the defense cleared the ball, Raskin recovered it, penetrated the area and passed to the center, where De Ketelaere easily pushed the ball into the net for 1-0.
The Americans were nervous and made mistakes, while Belgium had no problems defending. However, in the 31st minute, the USA tied the score with great luck. After a free kick from a favorable position, Tillman executed, the ball was deflected by Vanaken on the defensive wall, fooled Courtois and ended up in the net for 1-1.
Belgium reacted immediately after the equalizer. In the 33rd minute, again with the same protagonists, Trossard crossed from the left and De Ketelaere, with a header from close range, scored his second personal goal and restored the lead for the Belgians.
The Belgians came close to a third goal in the 43rd minute. De Cuyper took a free kick from the wing, Lukebakio jumped alone for a header, but the ball went wide of the post. The USA had their chance in the 45th minute, when Balogun, after a close-range header, sent the ball wide.
The second half started with the USA more active. The Americans increased the pressure and forced Belgium to defend more, but despite their energy, they continued to have difficulty creating chances in the attacking zone.
However, it was Belgium who scored. In the 57th minute, after a long ball from the defence, goalkeeper Freese came out of the box and controlled the ball, but delayed its clearance. De Ketelaere cleverly intervened, took the ball away from him and Vanaken scored from distance into the empty net for 3-1.
From that point on, the Americans risked everything by attacking with more players, but failed to create clear chances. In the 79th minute, Berhalter tried a beautiful shot from distance, but the ball ended up just wide.
In the 82nd minute, Balogun took advantage of a mistake by Mechele and came up against Courtois, but the Belgian goalkeeper won the duel.
In the 86th minute, Belgium counterattacked with Doku. Lukaku failed to shoot, Doku recovered the ball and found Trossard, whose shot was blocked by the defenders.
The fourth goal came in the third minute of extra time. After high pressure, Lukaku won the ball near the area, broke through to the left and with a precise shot sealed the final score 4-1.
lineups
USA (Mauricio Pochettino): Freese, Dest (46' Reyna), Richards, Robinson (92' Arfsten), Ream, Freeman, Adams (72' Pepi), McKennie, Tillman, Pulisic (59' Berhalter), Balogun (92' Wright).
Belgium (Rudi Garcia): Courtois, Castagne, Mechele, Ngoy, De Cuyper, Raskin (89' Witsel), Onana (21' Vanaken), Lukebakio (67' Doku), Tielemans, Trossard (89' Saelemaekers), De Ketelaere (67' Lukaku).
Lini një Përgjigje