WC26: De Ketelaere Scores Twice As Belgium Ends U.S. World Cup Run

Charles De Ketelaere scored two goals as Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 Monday in the World Cup round of 16 at Lumen Field in Seattle. Belgium held a dominant 2.15 to 0.67 edge in expected goals. De Ketelaere's opener came nine minutes in, finishing a Nicolas Raskin knockdown across the face of goal. Malik Tillman briefly drew the United States level with a deflected free kick, becoming just the second player in 60 years to score two free-kick goals at a single World Cup. De Ketelaere headed home a Leandro Trossard cross 52 seconds later to restore Belgium's lead. A costly error from U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed Hans Vanaken to convert from 30 yards. Romelu Lukaku added a fourth in stoppage time off another turnover. Christian Pulisic surrendered possession 11 times in the first half, and Sergino Dest was substituted at halftime after struggling to contain Trossard. Folarin Balogun, reinstated after his red card suspension was reduced with reported assistance from the White House, generated little attacking threat throughout. The defeat marked the fourth time in five World Cups that the United States has exited at the round of 16 stage. Belgium eliminated the Americans at the same juncture in 2014. Midfielder Alex Freeman shrugged off questions about the circumstances surrounding Balogun's reinstatement. "I have no clue how it happened," said Freeman. "We're just happy it happened." Spain are 75 percent favorites to advance to the semifinals over Belgium, according to the latest World Cup odds .