Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup after defeating the host nation the United States (US) with a convincing 4-1 score in the round of 16 match in Seattle.
This victory led Belgium to face Spain in the quarter-finals at Los Angeles Stadium.
Belgium immediately took the initiative on the attack from the opening whistle. US goalkeeper Matt Freese was forced to work hard, denying several chances, including a Leandro Trossard shot in the first minute.
Belgium's pressure finally paid off in the ninth minute. Charles De Ketelaere capitalized on a goalmouth scramble after the US defense failed to clear the ball properly, giving Belgium a 1-0 lead.
The US, struggling to get going, equalized in the 31st minute through Malik Tillman's free kick. The ball deflected off Hans Vanaken, fooling goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois before going into the net to make it 1-1.
