Belgium produced a ruthless attacking display to end co-hosts the United States’ FIFA World Cup dream with an emphatic 4-1 victory in their Round of 16 clash, booking a quarter-final showdown with Spain.
The Red Devils proved far too clinical for the Americans, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice before second-half strikes from Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku completed a dominant win.
Belgium took control in the 31st minute when De Ketelaere finished confidently after being picked out by Nicolas Raskin.
The lead lasted only two minutes as the United States responded immediately. Malik Tillman brought the home crowd to life with a well-taken equaliser in the 33rd minute, raising hopes of another spirited American comeback.
Those hopes were quickly extinguished. Belgium restored their advantage just two minutes later when Leandro Trossard set up De Ketelaere for his second goal of the night, giving the Europeans a 2-1 lead at the interval.
The United States struggled to recover after the break despite efforts from captain Weston McKennie to rally the side.
Belgium effectively settled the contest in the 57th minute when Vanaken added a third, exposing the hosts’ defensive frailties and leaving the Americans with a mountain to climb.
Tillman came close to reducing the deficit late on, but Belgium remained firmly in control and added further gloss to the scoreline deep into stoppage time. Veteran striker Lukaku powered home in the third minute of added time to make it 4-1 and complete a comprehensive victory.
The result sends Belgium into the quarter-finals in impressive fashion after also edging Senegal 3-2 in the previous round. Their reward is a heavyweight last-eight meeting against Spain, who booked their place with a narrow 1-0 victory over Portugal thanks to a dramatic late winner from Mikel Merino.
For the United States, the defeat brings a disappointing end to their campaign on home soil.
