SEATTLE — That’s all, folks.
Belgium knocked the U.S. out of the World Cup in a 4–1 loss in Seattle on Monday night, ending what had been a dream run for the host nation trying to prove something at the tournament.
The European side was the first elite opponent the U.S. had faced in the tournament after playing Paraguay, Australia, Turkey, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. After looking dominant in those matches, the U.S. struggled to get things going on offense, and made crucial mistakes that cost them goals.
The game was a rematch of the famous 2014 round of 16 game when Belgium sent the Americans home from Brazil despite a heroic performance by U.S. goalie Tim Howard.
Belgium has clung to the remnants of its own “Golden Generation,” with keeper Thibaut Courtois still on the squad 12 years later. Courtois was loudly booed whenever he touched the ball Monday night.
