[Anchor]
However, even a phone call from the president was no match for Belgium's overwhelming firepower. Belgium cruised into the quarterfinals with a 4-1 victory over the United States. Following the decisive win, the Belgian team took a sharp jab at President Trump, challenging him to "reverse this result" as well.
Reporter Ha Seong-nyong has the story.
[Reporter]
Facing a U.S. side led by striker Folarin Balogun—who was cleared to play in the Round of 16 following an exceptional suspension deferral by FIFA—Belgium unleashed a storm of offense as if they had a point to prove.
In the 9th minute, forward Charles De Ketelaere, who had been quiet until now, finally exploded.
He connected with a cross from Nicolas Raskin, finishing with his right foot in front of the goal to score his first goal of the tournament.
The U.S. equalized in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman found the back of the net with a right-footed shot from a free kick earned by Balogun. However, De Ketelaere soared again just two minutes later.
Leveraging his 192cm frame, he headed in a cross from Leandro Trossard to complete a multi-goal performance.
Leading 2-1 at halftime, Belgium effectively crushed any hope of a U.S. comeback in the 12th minute of the second half. After De Ketelaere intercepted a pass from the U.S. goalkeeper, who had left his post, Hans Vanaken fired a 35-meter long-range shot into the net.
Veteran Romelu Lukaku, 33, who scored a clinching goal just before the final whistle to mark his third consecutive game with a goal, drew attention by mimicking President Trump’s dance moves during his celebration with teammates.
With a 4-1 victory over the U.S., where Balogun failed to score, Belgium has advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in 8 years.
[Raskin/Belgium Midfielder: I think there is always justice somewhere in life. We don't think the decision was fair, but I think the 'suspension deferral' brought us a little bit of luck.]
The Royal Belgian Football Association, which had opposed FIFA's decision, posted on social media after the victory, "This is called 'football,' not 'soccer,'" taking a shot at the U.S. for its terminology, and added, "Try to reverse this result too," mocking President Trump.
With the elimination of the United States, following Canada and Mexico, all co-hosts of this tournament have been knocked out in the Round of 16.
Reported by Ha Seong-nyong | Video by Ha Seong-won | Graphics by Kang Yoon-jung | Produced by SBS Digital News
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.