Belgium Routs U.S. 4-1: 'Try Overturning This Result'

[Anchor]

Despite what was described as a phone call intervention by President Trump, the United States fell to Belgium with a score of 1-4. Belgium, which advanced to the quarterfinals on merit, delivered a sharp retort, telling them to "try overturning this match result as well."

Reporter Ha Seong-nyong has the story.

[Reporter]

Facing a U.S. team that featured Folarin Balogun as the starting striker—thanks to an unusual disciplinary suspension stay by FIFA—Belgium displayed explosive firepower as if they had a point to prove.

In the 9th minute of the first half, striker Charles De Ketelaere, who had been quiet until now, finally broke through.

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, just two minutes later, De Ketelaere soared again.

Using his 192cm frame, he headed in a cross from Leandro Trossard to complete a multi-goal performance.

Belgium, leading 2-1 at halftime, effectively crushed U.S. hopes 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 clincher just before the final whistle to record a goal in three consecutive matches, drew attention by performing a celebration with his teammates that mimicked President Trump's dance moves.

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 stay' brought us a bit of luck.]

The Royal Belgian Football Association, which had opposed FIFA's decision, took to social media after the victory to take a jab at the U.S. for calling the sport "soccer," writing, "This is called 'football,' not 'soccer.'" They also mocked President Trump by adding, "Try overturning this result."

With the U.S. joining Canada and Mexico in elimination, all of the tournament's co-hosts have been knocked out in the Round of 16.

(Video Editing: Ha Seong-won, Design: Kang Yoon-jung)

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