There was no miracle comeback for the United States on Monday.
A shellshocked U.S. men’s national team was knocked out of the World Cup in the Round of 16 by Belgium in a 4-1 loss, in a match that the Americans spent most of the night chasing their opponent on their way to a tournament exit in Seattle.
After all the controversy surrounding FIFA’s decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play in the match, following a controversial red card in the previous match, the American star wasn’t able to find the back of the net and the United States was held to just one goal.
The 2002 U.S. World Cup squad still remains the only American team to reach the quarterfinals in the modern tournament format.
The United States was back on its heels right from the start and Belgium scored nine minutes into the match, marking the first time that the U.S. had not scored the opening goal during its World Cup run.
Charles De Ketelaere scored the goal that gave Belgium the lead.
Malik Tillman found the equalizer in the 31st minute, briefly giving the U.S. hope, only for De Ketelaere to rain on the parade to give them a 2-1 lead.
A mistake by American goalkeeper Matt Freese led to Belgium’s third goal in the 57th minute and a stoppage-time goal sealed the match for the European side.
