Belgium thrashed the United States 4-1 in Seattle on Monday to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals, and the Belgian players taunted US President Donald Trump by performing his signature dance moves after Romelu Lukaku scored the fourth goal.
Dominant Belgian display
Charles de Ketelaere scored twice, Hans Vanaken added the third, and Lukaku rounded off the scoring in a resounding victory. The US had briefly levelled through Malik Tillman in the 31st minute, but Belgium's quality proved too much for the host nation.
The match was mired in controversy before kick-off after US striker Folarin Balogun was initially handed a one-match ban for a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but FIFA suspended that punishment for a year, allowing him to play. It later emerged that President Trump had personally contacted FIFA to request a review of the ban.
Balogun controversy
The decision to allow Balogun to play sparked anger and accusations of corruption globally, but it ultimately did the USA no good. After Lukaku's goal, Belgian players celebrated by mimicking Trump's distinctive dance, rubbing salt into the wound.
US manager Mauricio Pochettino said the controversy did not affect his team's performance. "It didn't affect our performance. It's not an excuse. It wasn't our day," said the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss. "But in a personal way, what is the point to insult or receive a lot of bad messages? It's a rule for the federation to apply and to try [to overturn the ban]. My position was to train the team. If Balogun is available because FIFA allow for you to have the player, it's not a problem."
Pochettino added: "I feel disappointed with too many people. They put politics and manipulation, talk about ethics and integrity [first]. If we talk about the history of this game, I am disappointed in a personal way."
Belgium's celebration
The official X account of the Belgium men's national team joined in the celebrations, posting pictures of Lukaku with the caption: "Overturn this." Belgium manager Rudi Garcia revealed that Balogun came to speak to him after the game, saying: "I told him it is not his fault, he's not the one to blame. I really appreciate the intention and I appreciate this player."
Belgium's reward is a quarter-final clash with Spain, who beat Portugal 1-0 with a late Mikel Merino winner.
