A clinical performance in the second half allowed Belgium to defeat the United States 5-2 in a friendly match.
Unbeaten in their last five FIFA World Cup preparation matches this summer (4 wins, 1 draw), the United States knew a good start was crucial against a star-studded Belgian team. However, it was the Red Devils who had the first clear opportunity, as Alexis Saelemaekers blasted the ball over the bar from an ideal position in the box.
Grateful for the reprieve, USA gradually found their footing and could have taken the lead, but Weston McKennie’s close-range attempt was superbly saved by Senne Lammens.
Having scored at least three goals in six of their last nine matches, Belgium continued to pose a threat in the final third. Saelemaekers saw his low strike easily saved by Matt Turner before Charles De Ketelaere had his goal disallowed for a handball in the build-up.
Shortly after, the Stars and Stripes opened the scoring, with McKennie left unmarked in the six-yard box to convert from a corner by Antonee Robinson.
Belgium responded quickly and equalized just before halftime, with Zeno Debast scoring his first international goal with a superb long-range effort beyond Turner’s reach.
The see-sawing action continued early in the second half, as Christian Pulisic surprisingly missed the target from 12 yards out.
The hosts were immediately punished for that miss, as Saelemaekers delivered a clever cut-back pass for Amadou Onana to calmly slot home.
Belgium sought to extend their lead, and after Jeremy Doku’s dangerous attempt was saved by Turner, the visitors were awarded a penalty for a handball by Tim Ream. De Ketelaere converted the spot-kick to put the Devils further ahead.
Taking advantage of the momentum, Rudi Garcia made several changes to his team as the final half-hour approached.
Among the substitutes, Dodi Lukebakio stood out in the 68th minute by cutting in from the right and firing a stunning shot into the top corner.
Late in the match, Mauricio Pochettino’s team tried to salvage some pride, but Belgium was ruthless in front of goal, adding a fifth goal when Lukebakio capitalized on a loose ball to beat Turner.
A late goal from Patrick Agyemang, capitalizing on a huge error from Youri Tielemans, allowed the hosts to salvage some dignity. Overall, it was a tough night for the Stars and Stripes.
