Roared on by a fervent home crowd in Seattle and buoyed by impressive wins in the group stage and round of 32, the US had entered the match with belief they could upset a Belgium team many considered vulnerable.

Should the USMNT be spooked about the prospect of facing a Belgian side it lost to 5-2 not long ago? No, and for multiple reasons

The United States is aiming for back-to-back World Cup knockout wins for the first time

Belgium thoroughly dominated in a blowout win Monday night, ending a dream World Cup run for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.