By 
The United States’ hopes of a memorable FIFA World Cup run on home soil came to a crushing end on Monday after Belgium produced a commanding 4-1 victory in the round of 16 at Lumen Field in Seattle.
The Americans delivered one of their least convincing performances of the tournament, failing to match the intensity that had carried them through the group stage as Belgium capitalised on defensive errors and clinical finishing.
Charles De Ketelaere put Belgium ahead after just nine minutes, punishing a sluggish start by the hosts and setting the tone for the encounter, USA Today reports.
The U.S. briefly restored hope in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman found the net after a deflected free-kick.
However, Belgium responded almost immediately, with De Ketelaere heading home his second goal just two minutes later to regain the lead.
Any hopes of a comeback faded in the 57th minute following a costly mistake by American goalkeeper Matt Freese, who lingered too long on the ball outside his penalty area before being dispossessed.
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Hans Vanaken calmly slotted into an empty net despite Tim Ream’s desperate attempt to clear the ball.
Belgium sealed an emphatic victory deep into second-half stoppage time when Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal to complete the rout.
The defeat means the United States exits the tournament at the round of 16 for the fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.
Although the Americans managed to secure a knockout-stage victory during this campaign, their hopes of a deeper run ended in bitter disappointment before a home crowd.
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