USA Had The Edge, I Thought
I was expecting the USA to go past Belgium as the two teams met in a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash a few hours ago.
But The Belgians Had Their Tales Up
Belgium had their tails up, fresh from an incredible comeback win over Senegal in the Round of 32. The Red Devils showed exemplary resilience and a stubborn never-say-die spirit to deny Senegal.
The Americans Were Ready Too
The Americans had it a bit easy and dispatched Bosnia & Herzegovina without breaking much of a sweat, and with a good rest to boot, the co-hosts were ready to take on Belgium.
Charles De Ketelaere Punishes A Cagey USA
The occasion, however, got to the Americans as Belgium resisted and scored to draw first blood, as Charles De Ketelaere, the young Serie A player, scored in the 9th minute. And though the USA got back with a fine Tillman finish in the 31st, Ketelaere scored yet again two minutes later to keep Belgium in front.
A Horrendous Lapse Makes It Worse For USMNT
The moment of truth arrived in the second half when the USA conceded a third, with a horrendous lapse from Matt Freese, America’s goalkeeper. Out of position, he lost the ball and paid a heavy price as Vanaken scored in the 57th minute. It was easy pickings.
Lukaku Seals The Deal
Down 1-3, it was an uphill task for the USMNT, and they somewhat capitulated under the scoreboard pressure. Lukaku, the Belgian veteran, scored in stoppage time to make it 4-1.
The Nerves Got To The Americans
The Americans were well and truly beaten and unfortunately succumbed to a massive defeat in front of a packed Seattle Stadium.
Belgium Were Tactically Brilliant…
Belgium displayed tremendous match awareness, combined extremely well and were tactically brilliant to thwart the Americans. The co-hosts were nervy, unsure and disoriented at times and faltered at the altar.
…Will Now Play Spain
Belgium will now play the mighty Spaniards, who scraped past Portugal with a narrow 1-0 win. Another all-European quarter-final in the offing.
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