Belgium brought the United States’ World Cup party to a shattering halt in Seattle on Monday, thrashing the tournament co-hosts 4-1 to set up a quarter-final showdown with Spain.Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, Hans Vanaken punished a goalkeeping howler, and substitute Romelu Lukaku added a fourth to settle a last-16 clash that had been overshadowed by the pre-match uproar surrounding US striker Folarin Balogun.Balogun, named in US coach Mauricio Pochettino’s starting line-up after Fifa suspended a one-game ban following lobbying by US President Donald Trump, was largely anonymous throughout Monday’s knockout tie at Lumen Field.Instead, a rampant Belgium ruthlessly dismantled the USA’s hopes of reaching a first World Cup quarter-final in 24 years, in a bitterly disappointing end to a campaign that had captivated the host nation.De Ketelaere fired Belgium ahead after nine minutes, and although Malik Tillman’s deflected free-kick levelled it in the 31st minute, the US fightback was short-lived.United States goalkeeper Matt Freese’s (left) blunder handed Belgium their third goal. Photo: APDe Ketelaere headed Belgium back in front in the 33rd minute, and Vanaken made it 3-1 in the 57th minute after a dreadful blunder by US goalkeeper Matt Freese, who was dispossessed after charging out of his penalty area to clear.
De Ketelaere double fires Belgium past USA, Spain next in World Cup last 8
Hosts knocked out in convincing fashion after build-up dominated by row over lifting of Florian Balogun’s suspension.










