Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
USA vs Belgium ended in World Cup heartbreak for the United States, as goalkeeper Matt Freese’s second-half mistake helped Belgium seal a 4-1 Round of 16 win and eliminate the co-hosts.
The United States trailed 2-1 at halftime but started the second half with energy, only for a costly 57th-minute error to hand Belgium control of the match.
The result came during a busy football news period, with Anthony Caceres’ Bangkok United move set after leaving Macarthur FC.
Freese Mistake Changes The Match
Freese came outside his penalty area to meet a long ball from deep in Belgium’s half, but a moment of hesitation changed everything.
Charles De Ketelaere closed him down from behind and deflected the ball toward Hans Vanaken, who had only Tim Ream between himself and goal.
Vanaken kept his finish on target to make it 3-1, effectively ending the United States’ hopes of forcing a comeback.
“It’s a shocker of a goal from the co-hosts’ point of view,” David Stowell said on commentary.
“The situation looked under control until it wasn’t.
“And maybe the next stage is within touching distance for Belgium now.
“A fair bit of promise at the start of the second half for the Americans, but that has vanished in an instant.”
Belgium Punish USMNT Collapse
Craig Forrest said the mistake arrived just as the United States had started to build pressure.
“That is absolutely awful from the United States,” he said.
“They had some pressure, they looked as though they were creating some opportunities, and Matt Freese comes out and just makes an absolute mess of it, and then he’s in no man’s land, it’s just about hitting the target.
“Look at Freese; he delays, dwells on the ball, and it’s an absolute gift for Belgium to make it 3-1.
“Not the start the United States wanted in the second half.”
Stowell added: “He’s done a fair bit right for the United States in this tournament, Matt Freese, but that was a moment that went horribly wrong.”
Romelu Lukaku then scored in the 93rd minute to complete Belgium’s 4-1 win and set up a quarter-final against Spain.
Official tournament updates are available through FIFA.
