By Mazvita Maraire Posted on

Belgium vs USMNT: Match Analysis and Key Takeaways

Head coach Rudi Garcia made four changes to the starting line-up from the one he used in his team’s improbable 3-2 comeback win over Senegal.

Nathan Ngoy started at center-back next to  Brandon  Mechele, while ahead of them,  Amadou Onana was paired in the midfield with   Nicolas  Raskin.  Hans Vanaken and  Kevin De Bruyne were dropped to the bench.  An ailing  Jeremy Doku made way for  Dodi, who started on the left wing.

FRONT FOOT INTENT  FROM THE START

With all the off-field distractions set aside, the Red Devils knew the first order of business was to take the crowd, a pro-USA crowd, out of the game. Belgium did that in the first minute by testing U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese with a wicked shot from right back Timothy Castagne. A failed corner kick did not slow down the front-footed Red Devils. Belgium’s aggressiveness quickly paid off in the match minutes after the failed corner kick.  

 A failed defensive clearence saw the ball land just inside the US goal box. Several defenders watched the ball as Nicole Raskin rushed to it, skipped past the lead-foot defenders, and passed to a wide-open D Ketelaere for a tap-in and the 1-0 lead. The goal took the air out of the stadium as Belgium continued to cut off the U.S. supply line.  When Tyler Adams received the ball from the backline, he was marked by several Belgian players.

DEHYDRATION CHANGES THE  GAME

The Stars and Stripes continued to struggle but made it to the dehydration break without conceding another goal. The respite was also a strategic realignment for the  USMNT. The team pressed high and used the right flank to attack the sturdy Belgian defense.  After receiving a pass from  Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun was fouled 20 yards from the goal. Another masterclass free kick from Malik Taillman leveled the score in the 30th minute.

The stalemate did not last long. Belgium regained the lead two minutes late.   Tielemans made a pass to unmarked Leandro Trossard, who made a run at two defenders on the left flank, then deftly lofted a pass to a   leaping De Ketelaere, who outjumped Freese for the 2-1 lead.

SECOND HALF OF CHASING SHADOWS

Pochettino inserted Giovanni Reyna for  Sergino Dest to start the second half. The change brought the U.S. attack to life and gave a crowd searching for anything to lift their spirits something to hold on to.  After Balogun nearly tracked down a  Reyna pass into the box, the Hie crowd’s spirit and heart were broken in the 56th minute. Freese misplayed a loose ball outside of his goal box. His foot hit the turf, and the ball fell into the path of the onrushing De Ketelaere, who shot towards the U.S. goal. A desperate attempt by Ream to redirect the ball away from goal failed as Belgium doubled its lead in the 57th minute.  

ATTEMPT TO FIND RHYTHM

 Pochettino used his bench to bring more life to the game, but it was of no avail. Sebastian Berhalter replaced Pulisic in the 59th minute, who suffered an ankle knock. Garcia made several substitutions of his own in the 67th minute. Lukebakio gave way to  Jeremy Doku,  and De Ketelaere was replaced by Romelu Lukaku. Ricardo Pepi replaced Adams in the 72nd minute as the U.S. tried to find a lifeline. The life line never came, and it was Belgium who wrapped up the scoring with an exquisite goal from the left side of the goal in the 3rd minute of stoppage time.

BIG TAKEAWAY

It was a disappointing way to end a successful cup run that galvanized a nation. The team grew, and as a coach, Pochettino said you have to play your best every game in a World Cup because there is no safety net. Yes, the Balogun red card saga has a significant impact on the teams. Belgium used it as a rallying cry, and for the USMNT, it dulled their hunger and sharpness.

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