De Ketelaere brace puts Belgium into WC last 8, ends home interest

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Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere scored twice to take his country into the World Cup quarter-finals, handing co-hosts United States a 4-1 thrashing in their round-of-16 tie on Monday, despite the controversial inclusion of previously suspended Folarin Balogun.

  • De Ketelaere poached two first-half goals, in the ninth and 33rd minutes, the second coming 61 seconds after the US equalised.
  • Malik Tillman’s deflected free kick brought the home side level in the 31st minute.
  • A horror error from goalkeeper Matt Freese handed Belgium their third goal, scored by substitute Hans Vanaken in the 57th minute.
  • Romelu Lukaku added the fourth in stoppage time to complete an emphatic victory.
  • Striker Balogun, who had his red card ban lifted ahead of the game, played almost the entire match but only had one threatening effort on goal.
  • The U.S.’s elimination means all three co-hosts are out of the tournament, after Canada and Mexico also lost in the last-16.

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