De Ketelaere near perfect as Belgium beat United States 4-1, Balogun anonymous | OneFootball

Charles De Ketelaere ran the World Cup last-16 tie as Belgium beat the United States 4-1, involved in the first three goals and scoring twice. According to L'Équipe, he was rated eight, while Folarin Balogun was criticised for a subdued outing.

On nine minutes De Ketelaere followed in Nicolas Raskin’s cross-shot to open the scoring. The United States levelled from a set-piece, then on 33 minutes he nodded in to restore Belgium’s lead.

His pressing unsettled goalkeeper Matt Freese on 57 minutes, allowing Hans Vanaken to add the third for 3-1. De Ketelaere’s hold-up play and work without the ball kept Belgium high up the pitch.

He made way for Romelu Lukaku on 67 minutes. Lukaku repeatedly stretched the defence, then struck in 90+3 to complete the 4-1 scoreline, his third goal of the tournament.

Raskin took seven for relentless ball-winning that set the tone. Leandro Trossard earned seven after supplying De Ketelaere’s second with a sharp burst down the left. Dodi Lukebakio received six for pace and defensive graft before Jeremy Doku replaced him on 67.

For the United States, Freese was marked three after the mistake before Belgium’s third. Antonee Robinson also scored three, often exposed by Lukebakio, while Tim Ream was given two after a torrid night in key duels and slow distribution. Balogun received three, largely quiet apart from a late effort saved by Thibaut Courtois on 82.

Source: L'Équipe