USMNT suffers World Cup heartbreak at the hands of Belgium in 4-1 loss on day three of the Round of 16

A sold-out Seattle Stadium roared into life as the USMNT took the field on Monday night. The mission was simple. Upset Belgium and reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup for the first time in 24 years. Unfortunately, that didn't come to pass, with the Belgians topping the host nation 4-1 in a game that won't sit well with anyone who watched it.

The USMNT entered an unchanged lineup in the clash with Belgium, thanks in large part to the suspension of Folarin Balogun. The striker who netted 3 goals in as many games for his team in the World Cup was allowed to play in the Round of 16 clash, but would it pay dividends?

As if the scales weren't tilting enough, Belgium fielded a lineup missing Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, and Romelu Lukaku. With three key contributors to their national team success out of the starting lineup, it was crucial for the US to start hot.

General view inside the stadium as the teams line up with young mascots during the national anthems before the match

Lee Smith

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Unfortunately for the home fans, it was the other way around. Belgium fired what felt like a barrage of shots in the opening minutes, leading to a corner which eventually found its way into the safe hands of Matt Freese.

Belgium kept the pressure on, realizing how much the US likes to press and being eager to hit them on the counter. Youri Tielemens missed a sitter just 8 minutes in, which would've surely sent them into the lead and sparked a nervy response from the sold-out crowd. But less than 60 seconds later, a failed cross bounced around the box before eventually being squared across the face of the goal to Charles De Ketelaere, who scored his first goal of the tournament and ensured Seattle was sleepless for the time being. Belgium took an early 1-0 lead, leaving the US players and fans stunned. 

The difference in talent suddenly became very visible. The US remained unable to break out of its own half, continued to give away possession, and struggled to handle loose balls in its own box, only further putting pressure on the backline to keep the dream alive. Both Pulisic and Balogun were almost invisible at the first hydration break, and something had to change if Pocchetino was to rally his troops back into this matchup.

Perhaps the hydration break is what was needed. After a free kick was won on the edge of the box to give the US their first real offensive set piece, Tillman's curling effort took a slight deflection off the wall and past the paws of Thibault Courtois to draw level. It was their first real shot on goal of the entire game, but they made it count. 

Belgium's Youri Tielemans celebrates after the match

BLAKE DAHLIN

Somehow, mere seconds later, Belgium was back in front. It was De Ketelaere once again, heading home a Leandro Trossard cross past Freese to reclaim the lead and knock the wind out of the US's sails once more. 

The rest of the half contained much of the same. A lot of scrappy play from the US, and a few whiffs from Belgium, but the away team was in complete control. They started out hot and registered 11 shots in just the opening 45 minutes. From here, it was very much their game to lose.

A halftime change saw Dest substituted for Reyna, which made sense given how much damage Leo Trossard was causing, but would it be enough to stabilize the defense?

Just under 10 minutes into the second half, the American World Cup dream took another dagger to the Heart. An atrocious error from Matt Freese outside the box left the goal wide open for Hans Vanaken to strike. Tim Ream made an equally big mistake, unable to deflect the ball, and all of a sudden, the USMNT had an almighty Mountain to climb.

Chris Richards of the U.S. looks dejected after the match following their elimination from the World Cup

Reuters/Troy Wayrynen

The hydration break provided a new lease of life in the first half, and fans were hoping for much of the same in the second. Romelu Lukaku joined the pitch for Belgium, only complicating matters, meaning Pochettino was going to need every trick up his sleeve in order to give his team a chance of forcing extra time. 

Berhalter came agonizingly close to a goal in the 78th minute, firing a rocket from outside the box that nearly skimmed the post. He riled up the crowd afterward, injecting some life into the stadium as the last-ditch efforts started to ramp up. 

A juicy through ball was then sent to Balogun, presenting him with a near-post opportunity, but Courtois did well to parry the ball out of harm's way. The intensity spiked, and the US launched its assault as Belgium packed its own box to prevent a late comeback.

But if a two-goal lead was hard to overcome, a three-goal one was impossible. Romelu Lukaku added to the misery in the dying embers, sealing the USMNT's fate and ending their quest to reach the quarterfinals and beyond for the first time since 2002. 

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their fourth goal

Lee Smith

The US can look back with at this World Cup a lot of pride. To perform so well in the group stage and win a knockout match, the host nation arguably outperformed expectations. To go out like this to Belgium is a tough pill to swallow, but it shouldn't subtract from what has been a magical summer for the team. 

For now, though, Belgium proceeds to the quarter finals, with the remaining Round of 16 clashes taking place this week. For the latest from all of these games, plus some in-depth reaction to tonight's loss, stay locked into Metro Philadelphia.

Day 4 of the Round of 16