USA 1:4 Belgium — Match Report

Gary RedknappFootball AnalystMATCH REPORT

Charles De Ketelaere scored twice as Belgium thrashed the USA 4-1 in the World Cup round of 16, setting up a quarter-final against an opponent yet to be determined. The result was a comprehensive demolition of the tournament hosts, who had no answer to Belgium's clinical finishing.

Belgium struck first through De Ketelaere in the ninth minute, who converted from Nicolas Raskin's pass, but the USA equalised through Malik Tillman's unassisted effort on 31 minutes. The parity lasted barely two minutes before De Ketelaere restored Belgium's lead from Leandro Trossard's assist, and the Red Devils never looked back. Hans Vanaken made it three on 57 minutes after being set up by De Ketelaere, and Romelu Lukaku rounded off the scoring in the 90th minute from Vanaken's pass, with Weston McKennie and Tillman both booked for the USA.

Belgium controlled the contest despite the USA enjoying 56% possession; the visitors generated 15 shots to the USA's seven and an xG of 2.15 against 0.67, dominating the first half with 11 shots and 1.90 xG before the sides traded four shots each after the break. Charles De Ketelaere was the standout, scoring twice from his forward position to earn an 8.5 rating out of ten. CheckLive's model rated the USA the clearer side, but the result did not confirm that prediction, though the live signals read the flow correctly by backing Belgium.

Questions & Answers

What was the final score of USA vs Belgium?

USA 1-4 Belgium (World Cup, Round of 16).

Who scored?

Charles De Ketelaere (9', assist Nicolas Raskin) for Belgium; Malik Tillman (31') for USA; Charles De Ketelaere (33', assist Leandro Trossard) for Belgium; Hans Vanaken (57', assist Charles De Ketelaere) for Belgium; Romelu Lukaku (90', assist Hans Vanaken) for Belgium.

Was Belgium's win deserved?

Yes — Belgium were on top for most of the match.

Were there any cards in USA vs Belgium?

Yellow cards: Weston McKennie (USA); Malik Tillman (USA).

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