Belgium knocks out U.S. men 4-1 in World Cup, ending the Americans’ run in Seattle

Belgium defeated the U.S. Men’s National Team 4-1 on Monday night in the World Cup Round of 16 knockout match in Seattle, ending the Americans’ hopes of reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in 24 years.

The U.S. kicked off the match with the same starting XI as against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, but Belgium immediately put pressure on the Americans in the first few minutes of the first half, and Belgian midfielder Charles De Ketelaere put one in the back of the net in the ninth minute.

After a hydration break, the Americans gained their footing, and Malik Tillman was able to even the score after the half-hour mark with a free kick that deflected off the head of a Belgian player.

The tie lasted just about two minutes as De Ketelaere sent a header into the top corner.

In the second half, Belgium came back with even more pressure on the U.S. defense. When goalkeeper Matt Freese wandered a little too far off his post in the 56th minute, Hans Vanaken gave Belgium another goal advantage.

The USMNT continued to struggle to find shots on target, and star striker Christian Pulisic was substituted out due to injury.

U.S. lead scorer Folarin Balogun attempted to make something happen for the Americans in the time they had left, but the few shots near the goal were easily thwarted by the Belgian defense and veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Balogun was subbed out in the stoppage time, and Belgium put the nail in the U.S.’ coffin with a last-minute goal.

Belgium also eliminated the Americans in the 2014 round of 16. The team will face Spain on Friday at Inglewood, California, and the winner of that match will play in the semifinal against either France or Morocco. 

The U.S. last reached the quarterfinals in 2002 and was eliminated by Germany.

This is a developing story and will be updated.