Charles De Ketelaere scored twice as a ruthless Belgium side crushed the United States' home World Cup dreams with a 4-1 victory in the Round of 16 on Monday night at Seattle Stadium.
With the defeat, the Americans become the final tournament co-host to be eliminated from the competition, following the exits of Canada and Mexico earlier in the round. Belgium advances to face Spain in a highly anticipated quarterfinal matchup in Los Angeles.
Belgium opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Nicolas Raskin capitalized on a defensive lapse to set up De Ketelaere for a close-range tap-in.
The U.S. fought back and found an equalizer in the 31st minute when midfielder Malik Tillman curled a deflected free kick past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, sending the crowd of 66,925 into a frenzy.
The American celebrations lasted just 116 seconds.
Belgium responded immediately as Leandro Trossard floated a cross from the left wing to find De Ketelaere, who headed home his second goal of the match to restore the European side's lead.
Belgium extended its advantage in the 57th minute after U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese miscalculated a clearance outside his penalty area.
De Ketelaere stole possession and found Hans Vanaken, who curled a long-range effort into an empty net.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory in stoppage time, finishing a powerful solo run to end the deepest tournament run by the U.S. men's program since 2002.
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