The United States have been eliminated from their home FIFA World Cup after a costly error from goalkeeper Matt Freese against Belgium. Trailing 2-1 at half-time, the tournament co-hosts came out with momentum early in the second half, threatening to find an equaliser until disaster struck in the 57th minute.
Costly Mistake
Freese ran outside the box to meet a long ball from deep in Belgium's defensive half. He appeared to have it under control until a slight hesitation allowed Belgium striker Charles De Ketelaere to deflect the ball to teammate Hans Vanaken. With only USA defender Tim Ream between Vanaken and the goal, the Belgian midfielder easily scored to make it 3-1.
"It's a shocker of a goal from the co-hosts' point of view," commentator David Stowell said. "The situation looked under control until it wasn't. And maybe the next stage is within touching distance for Belgium now."
Momentum Shift
Craig Forrest added: "That is absolutely awful from the United States. 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." The goal effectively sent Belgium into the quarter-finals, where they will face Spain.
Belgium's all-time leading goal-scorer Romelu Lukaku added a 93rd-minute goal to make it 4-1, sealing the victory and the USA's elimination.
