Belgium ends U.S. World Cup run before Seattle crowd
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U.S. fans react after Belgium's fourth goal during Monday's World Cup match in Seattle. Photo: Alex Pantling/FIFA via Getty Images
The U.S. men's World Cup run ended Monday as Belgium defeated the Americans 4-1 before a sellout crowd in Seattle.
The big picture: The match was Seattle's sixth and final FIFA World Cup game, capping three weeks that saw the city emerge as a top host site.
- Seattle drew hundreds of thousands of fans and set records for transit and waterfront visits during the tournament.
Driving the news: Thousands of U.S. fans flooded the city's downtown Monday, marching to the match while decked out in American flag paraphernalia and chanting, "U-S-A."
- More than a few arrived dressed as Revolutionary War patriots — complete with powdered wigs and blue military coats — despite the July heat.
- Bars and streets near the stadium overflowed with people who didn't get tickets, with many craning their necks for a view of the match on TV screens.
Zoom in: Inside the stadium, the crowd erupted early, singing "Take Me Home, Country Roads."
- But the energy shifted as Belgium seized control of the game, scoring its first goal in the ninth minute and its second just minutes after the U.S. scored an equalizer.
- The crowd fell nearly silent when U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese came off his line to challenge Charles De Ketelaere, who poked the ball loose for Hans Vanaken to finish into a wide-open net.
- Some fans started gathering their possessions and making for the exits shortly after.
Catch up quick: The matchup renewed a World Cup rivalry dating to 2014, when Belgium eliminated the U.S. 2-1 in extra time.
Friction point: After days of controversy over whether he'd be allowed to play, U.S. striker Folarin Balogun nearly cut into Belgium's lead on a second-half breakaway, but Thibaut Courtois made the save.
- Balogun — the Americans' leading scorer — was sent off on a controversial red card during last week's Bosnia-Herzegovina match.
- FIFA's disciplinary committee later ruled that Balogun wouldn't have to immediately serve the automatic one-match suspension.
The decision came after President Trump said he asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the incident, fueling accusations of political interference.
What's next: Belgium faces Spain in Friday's World Cup quarterfinal at Los Angeles Stadium, while the U.S. exits the tournament.
