The historical ties between the USA and Belgium date back to the inaugural World Cup in 1930, where the USA emerged victorious with a 3-0 win in their opening match. The Society for Soccer American History has released engaging videos chronicling Belgium’s path to Uruguay, a journey taken while many European teams chose to withdraw.
The US national team has garnered significant attention in this World Cup, impressing a nation that had previously held reservations about its prospects and capturing the global spotlight.
Just a mere fifteen months ago, critics labeled the US men’s team as underachievers lacking in appeal. Instead of being perceived as endearing underdogs striving for recognition on the international scene and within the United States, they were seen as aloof representatives of a politically charged landscape.
As the tournament began, the narrative shifted from worries about visa complications to uplifting tales of visitors experiencing warmth and hospitality, contrasting the sentiments expressed by the Iranian national team.
The USA’s performance has been commendable, including a significant win against Paraguay, a result that gained further weight after Paraguay eliminated Germany and posed a challenge to France. The team also put forth a decisive display against Australia, and despite a setback against Turkey, they played competitively with a secondary lineup after clinching their group.
A pivotal moment came during their match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, showcasing their capacity to blend skill with determination, countering skepticism following prior defeats against Panama.
As they gear up to meet Belgium, the team will have to navigate the absence of Balogun, although their chances of advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time in 24 years remain hopeful.
This team, which has made significant strides in rehabilitating its public image through recent documentary series, finds itself connected to a president with a disapproval rating around 60% in the US and considerable discontent on the global stage.
Supporters find themselves in a quandary regarding the current situation. The controversial red card continues to spark debate, revolving around interpretations of either the Laws of the Game or basic physics, as Balogun stumbled and had to position his foot somewhere.
My social media feeds reflect a noticeable shift from unwavering support for the team to a more uncertain outlook.
This change prompted a request for feedback:
- “Unhappy but still supportive”
- “The red card was wrong in the first place and Brazil 1962 blah blah”
- “Of all the unimportant things, football is the most important” – OK, don’t use that one.
I look forward to hearing from everyone.
Ideally, this matchup would highlight two teams often referred to as having a “I’ve been upset. I’ve been happy,” Belgium’s players have lived up to the billing, reaching the World Cup quarterfinals in 2014 and finishing third in 2018. Stars like Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, and others have enjoyed illustrious careers, with several still active in the current squad.
In the USA, the narrative of a “It’s been surreal, to be honest. But for me, I think it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion. There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring, little kids, boys and girls who are watching, and we have to show them the correct way to handle things, even when you think it’s unjust.” began with Christian Pulisic, heralded as a standout talent likened to Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey. However, the US shockingly failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Pulisic remains the only player from that cycle still on the current roster, with defender Tim Ream, who was over 30 at the time, being the only other survivor.
Emerging talents from Major League Soccer, including Weston McKennie and Chris Richards, along with Tyler Adams and Timothy Weah, have made their mark in Europe, though not quite at the heights of De Bruyne or Kompany.
Players eligible to represent the US but rooted in European backgrounds have bolstered the team, featuring Sergiño Dest, Malik Tillman, Antonee Robinson, and recently, Folarin Balogun.
Both teams demonstrated resilience in their Round of 32 encounters; Belgium rallied from a 2-0 deficit against Senegal, while the USA secured a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, even amidst Balogun’s red card.
This rematch echoes the 2014 Round of 16 encounter, where the USA pushed Belgium into extra time, largely thanks to Tim Howard’s remarkable 16 saves. While the USA might not have performed at a level deserving of victory, they had a late opportunity that could have led to an improbable quarterfinal appearance.
That missed chance was not a trivial one; let’s ease off on Chris Wondolowski, who had a commendable career.
This match encapsulates the thrill of the World Cup. It could signify Belgium’s third quarterfinal appearance in four tournaments or represent a defining win for the USA.
Isn’t it exhilarating? But has anything overshadowed these captivating storylines?
The last time the USA played in Seattle was during their 2-0 win over Australia, a match that cemented their position in Group D. Post-game festivities transformed into legendary moments for US Soccer, with fans joining in singing “Even though you can feel like something unjust has happened to you, it’s not an excuse to be disrespectful,” by John Denver.
John Denver was a passionate advocate for hunger relief, environmentalism, and global harmony. Many find comfort knowing that the songs they cherish originated from someone with such noble ideals.
This idyllic vision, quintessentially American, often contrasts with reality. A World Cup uniquely brings together individuals from various backgrounds, embodying the sentiment that “After every game, I try to shake the referee’s hand, and this game was no different.” In the lead-up to the US matches against Paraguay and Australia, camaraderie among rival fans was a common sight.
The simplicity of “incomprehensible and unjustifiable” cleverly conveys this multifaceted worldview, capturing its essence in a heartfelt mission statement: “Everyone that really loves the sport and trusts ethics and integrity, I think we celebrate all that decision,” This promise has drawn countless immigrants to the country, resonating with colleagues from abroad who recognize its significance during their coverage.
Balogun’s comments following the recent controversy may have been premature, considering the timing of his suspension and reinstatement. However, his reflections on the “We were punished enough against Bosnia Herzegovina to play with 10 men for 30 minutes [because of] a decision that was completely unfair. … 99.9% of people agree there was an unfair red card.” days following the Round of 32 victory are noteworthy.
On his 25th birthday, Balogun spoke to the media, not about birthday cards, but rather about the tumultuous 36 hours that had just unfolded.
“I didn’t know that 5 July was equal to 1 April [April Fools’ Day] at Fifa,” Balogun shared regarding his recent experiences. “I think we should refer to the [statement] of my federation, the Belgian federation. I think a lot of things are in it. The federation does not defend itself, it does not defend the national team – it defends football in general. It defends its integrity. It defends its ethics.”
He underscored the need to maintain respect, mentioning that he approached referee Raphael Claus after the match, despite believing the call was incorrect, emphasizing the importance of setting a positive example for young viewers.
“I think we just have to … show balls on the pitch,” Balogun continued. “Try to play your own game. If you play against 80,000 supporters or with 80,000, you have to try to do the same.”
The absence of both Donald Trump and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has been notable at this World Cup, although both have recently attracted media attention.
Ceferin’s endorsement of a statement criticizing FIFA for lifting Balogun’s suspension has placed European football at odds with the global governing body, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for the sport’s future.
Belgium remains haunted by the perception of unfulfilled potential. Their Golden Generation has cast a shadow over their last three tournaments, with criticism arising from their inability to translate talent into trophies.
It is unreasonable to assume that FIFA operates without influence from Donald Trump. His relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino has long appeared mutually beneficial, allowing Trump to bask in adulation while FIFA capitalizes on access to the lucrative American market.
What Trump fails to comprehend, or perhaps chooses to ignore, is that his actions do little to benefit American soccer by exerting undue influence.
The USMNT has advanced through the tournament based on their own merits, showcasing remarkable performances, with Balogun standing out throughout.
Despite Balogun’s absence, analysts and bookmakers still consider the US to be favorites against Belgium. The notion of an unfair advantage stemming from political connections taints their potential success, especially on a global scale, where Trump is viewed as a symbol of the “Under Article 27 of the [Fifa Disciplinary Code], the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has the discretion to suspend the implementation of any disciplinary measures so long as they do not relate to match manipulation—which, of course, did not occur here. … Said suspension of the implementation was decided considering all of the specific circumstances surrounding the incident and evidence available.” stereotype.
Mauricio Pochettino praised FIFA’s unexpected decision to lift Balogun’s suspension, reiterating his belief that the red card was unwarranted.
“Everyone that really loves the sport and trusts ethics and integrity, I think we celebrate all that decision,” Pochettino stated. “We were punished enough against Bosnia Herzegovina to play with 10 men for 30 minutes [because of] a decision that was completely unfair. … 99.9% of people agree there was an unfair red card.”
As a FIFA media officer announced the reversal of Balogun’s suspension, Belgium’s coach Rudi Garcia and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois maintained a composed demeanor, with Garcia delivering a pointed comment regarding FIFA’s decision-making.
“I didn’t know that 5 July was equal to 1 April [April Fools’ Day] at FIFA,” Garcia quipped in French. “I think we should refer to the [statement] of my federation, the Belgian federation. I think a lot of things are in it. The federation does not defend itself, it does not defend the national team – it defends football in general. It defends its integrity. It defends its ethics.”
Throughout four matches, Belgium has maintained 57% possession with a 65% field tilt, yet they have struggled to capitalize on these advantages.
Possession statistics can be deceiving, but stylistic analysis indicates that Belgium has continuously held the ball, with Senegal coming closest in a narrow 52-48 split. The USA has similarly maintained a 58% possession rate, closely paralleling Belgium’s performance. If Pochettino’s team can effectively limit Belgium’s possession, they might unsettle the Red Devils.
Senegal nearly defeated Belgium by effectively utilizing width and quickly transitioning the ball to their wingers, creating overloads with their full-backs.
A vibrant, pro-US crowd is anticipated in Seattle for the Americans’ last-16 clash against Belgium, yet the Red Devils assert they remain unfazed by the expected atmosphere.
“I think we just have to … show balls on the pitch,” left-back Maxim De Cuyper stated on Friday. “Try to play your own game. If you play against 80,000 supporters or with 80,000, you have to try to do the same.”
For long-time US soccer fans, the decision to support this team during these times feels like a given. The question seems almost absurd, akin to asking “should I breathe?”
Nevertheless, many newcomers may hesitate to support the US national team. I can hardly fault them.
For those seeking a reason to back the US men’s national team, I encourage you to look around. If the team achieves a moment of glory against Belgium, countless individuals nearby will share in that joy, experiencing the kind of happiness that only sports can provide. These individuals are your neighbors, friends, co-workers, and even the clerk at the grocery store—their presence has been felt long before this World Cup journey and will endure beyond.
Malik Tillman, uncertain about what to expect in the last-32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina, likely did not foresee finishing the game without his boots intact.
Fifteen minutes after changing his ripped right boot, he made a significant impact. Following Balogun’s red card, the US earned a free kick just outside the box. After conferring with Antonee Robinson, Tillman executed a stunning free kick over the Bosnia and Herzegovina wall and into the net.
Tillman’s free kick was a remarkable feat, making him just the second player in USMNT history to score directly from a free kick at a World Cup, joining Eric Wynalda from 1994.
FIFA has issued statements regarding the handling of Balogun’s red-card situation, including a 13-point defense of their operations, distancing themselves from Trump’s influence and adding a $40,000 fine to Balogun’s account. Capology estimates Balogun’s earnings at $70,856 per week with AS Monaco.
“Under Article 27 of the [FIFA Disciplinary Code], the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has the discretion to suspend the implementation of any disciplinary measures so long as they do not relate to match manipulation—which, of course, did not occur here. … Said suspension of the implementation was decided considering all of the specific circumstances surrounding the incident and evidence available.”
We could anticipate record viewership for this World Cup rendition of Monday night football.
The USA’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina attracted an average of 24.429 million viewers on Fox, making it the most-watched English-language soccer broadcast in US history. The Fox telecast peaked at 31.883 million viewers, while Telemundo, holding Spanish-language broadcasting rights, recorded 9.1 million viewers throughout the match.
This year’s NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, which saw its highest audience in nearly 30 years, averaged 20.5 million viewers, with Game 5 reaching 24.5 million and peaking at 33 million. In contrast, the final game of last year’s World Series averaged 27.3 million viewers in the US.
As we prepare for the fifth US match, it’s worth noting that the red-and-white “wavy flag” themed kits worn by the USMNT this summer are perhaps the most popular jerseys in US history. Their visibility far surpasses that of past favorites like the “Waldos” or “Bomb Pops.”
Interestingly, the second-most popular kits this summer are Adidas’ vintage “Denim Kits” from 1994, which have seen a resurgence in sales after being re-released prior to the tournament.
It’s a beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest—warm, bright, and with a refreshing breeze from the Puget Sound. Pre-match celebrations are lively, and the concourses are buzzing with fans hours ahead of kickoff.
Prelude
Since the USA clinched their place in the last-16, conversations have revolved around redemption. Belgium triumphed in their last meeting at the same stage in 2014, with Romelu Lukaku wreaking havoc while Tim Howard delivered a stellar performance in goal.
On Sunday, startling reports surfaced that FIFA had opted to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban, typically associated with a red-card ejection. As the day progressed, the narrative transitioned from justice being served—most agreed it was more akin to a yellow-card offense—to a sense of unease regarding the nature of this reversal. Not only did it break from long-standing precedent, but it also carried an air of entitlement. Regardless of how much pressure Trump exerted on Gianni Infantino, US Soccer’s legal team took an unprecedented approach, scouring FIFA’s rulebook for loopholes. It doesn’t seem very sportsmanlike.
In reality, Mauricio Pochettino, unaware of US Soccer’s legal maneuvers, could motivate his team to achieve a result against Belgium without any legal assistance. The USA has been among the tournament’s standout teams, exhibiting dynamic attacking play and surprisingly solid defense. Belgium arrives in a weakened state compared to 2014, lacking a clear attacking strategy and struggling to convert possession into scoring opportunities.
Balogun’s potential inclusion in the starting lineup will undoubtedly be the focal point as the teams announce their lineups shortly. Until then, let’s review our coverage from recent days regarding the red card and the on-field developments.
Beau will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s a look at this matchup from Graham Ruthven’s daily guide:
What to watch for
The USA plays with a flair reminiscent of a Pochettino-coached team. Their energetic and attacking style has made them one of the most exciting teams to follow at this World Cup, although a loss to Belgium would echo the disappointment of last-16 exits in 2010, 2014, and 2022.
Belgium emerged victorious over the USA during the 2014 World Cup at the same stage, but their so-called golden generation has diminished since then. Rudi Garcia’s squad has struggled throughout the tournament and cannot be relied upon to consistently generate scoring opportunities. This presents a significant opening for the USA.
Player to watch: Folarin Balogun, USA – With his one-match red-card suspension lifted by FIFA, Balogun is set to be the USA’s primary attacking threat. The Monaco striker is experiencing a breakout tournament.
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