Home | tcmartinshow

USA Elimated by Belgium, Exits World Cup

Coming into this World Cup not much was expected of the American team. They were ranked a distant 17th in the world rankings, and they didn't show much in lead up matches over the past two years.

Throw in a surprising coaching change when Gregg Berhalter was relieved of his duties on September 10, 2024 in favor of Argentinian, Mauricio Pochettino. The change wasn't just about personnel it was also about changing the way they play as the two coaches had different tactical approaches. Berhalter was teaching more possessional play and structure while Pochettino was hired to bring physicality and put pressure on opponents.

Team USA was 6-4 in their games prior to the World Cup under Pochettino and there was plenty of doubt weather this team was capable against the upper echelon of the world. The only saving grace was that they were playing on home soil and their bracket wasn't loaded with powerhouse teams.

The United States surprised Paraguay with a convincing 4-1 victory to open pool play and then shut out Australia 2-0 to get the American fan base hyped. Having already cliched the top spot in the group, Team USA lost to Turkey 3-2 to squash a little momentum.

On to the knockout round, where they faced another team that was ranked lower than them Bosnia & Herzegovina proposed little challenge despite having the USA play the final 26 minutes without their top scorer, Folarin Balogun who was ejected from the game due to a controversial hard tackle. Balogun scored the first goal of the game but now were forced to play with only 10 men. The United State added a goal and hung on for the 2-0 victory to advance to the Round of 16.

Unfortunately, that's where the tournament ended for Team USA. Belgium who was ranked ninth in the world were too much this American squad and easily defeated the United States 4-1 on Monday in Seattle ending their World Cup dream.

Belgium came into the match with a chip on their shoulders and frustrated about the participation of Team USA's leading goal scorer, Flo Balogun to play despite getting a red card in the team's previous match. Upon an appeal from President Trump, the FIFA board suspended the red card and allowed Balogun to play against Belgium.

That ultimately didn't factor in as the Red Devils experience and precision was superior to Team USA. Belgium dominated the contest and outshot the United States 15-7 as the US had only two shots on goal for the entire match.

Belgium will now play second ranked Spain in the quarterfinals on Friday in Los Angeles while Team USA exits and tries to figure out how to improve and be able to compete against the elite countries in the world of Soccer.