The USA faced a challenging start against Belgium in the Round of 16. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed frustration as Belgium scored early. Charles De Ketelaere found the net within the first 10 minutes, silencing the crowd at Seattle Stadium.
Malik Tillman reignited USA’s hopes with a goal in the 31st minute. He managed to score past Thibaut Courtois, helped by a deflection from a Belgian defender.
However, USA’s joy was short-lived. Belgium retaliated just two minutes later. De Ketelaere scored again, this time with a header over Tim Ream.
Pochettino’s frustration was evident when he kicked a set of Powerade bottles near the bench. The first half ended with Belgium holding a tight lead, thanks to their offensive dominance.
Belgium had a slight edge in possession with 53% compared to USA’s 47%. The Belgians also had five shots on goal, while the USA managed just one.
The USA team needs to improve if they hope to progress to the quarterfinals against Spain. Success would mark only the second time a USA team has reached the quarterfinals in the modern World Cup, last achieved in 2002.
Pochettino might express more of his frustrations in the locker room. He will need strategic thinking to counter Belgium’s momentum from the first half.
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