The United States will not be advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals. Monday's loss to Belgium will therefore extend an American quarterfinal drought that's lasted since 2002.
Much of the talk pregame centered around the status of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, who received a controversial red card in the Round of 32 before an equally controversial reversal the day before the match. Belgium appealed the decision, claiming a breach of FIFA regulations, but Balogun was able to suit up anyway.
It didn't matter much. Belgium dominated the Americans 4-1 thanks to two goals from Charles De Ketelaere and a couple more from Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku. Now, Belgium moves on to play Spain in the quarterfinals.
Is USA out of the World Cup?
The Americans' World Cup run is officially over. Questions remain about the future of coach Mauricio Pochettino, but the team took a step forward this World Cup. It'll aim to build on this tournament by the time 2030 rolls around.
Source: USA Today
