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64 minutes: Both teams are making ample substitutions, with Sebastian Berhalter, Max Arksten, and Alex Freeman replacing Tim Ware, Anthony Robinson, and Tanner Tessman for the United States.
Updated to 17.04 EDT
Goal! USA 1-3 Belgium (De Ketelaere, 59)
Charles De Ketelaere’s penalty was confirmed following a meticulous review by VAR after an appeal from the U.S. The sequence was perplexing; a remarkable save from Turner was unfortunately overshadowed by a deflection off Ream that led to the penalty being awarded.
The penalty was formally recognized, as Tim Ream was adjudged to have handled the ball after deflecting a header from Belgium. Turner now faces a penalty shootout.
Penalty! The referee reviews the incident at the VAR monitor, having called Ream for a handball in the box.
56 minutes: Following Belgium’s goal, the U.S. had a prime opportunity, but Weir mistimed his attempt. This moment marked a turning point after the Americans initially led.
Goal! USA 1-2 Belgium (Onana, 53)
The U.S. began the match on a high note, but Belgium quickly shifted the momentum with a well-placed shot from the top of the box by Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana.
In this live commentary, it was noted that Doc sparked the attack, dribbling past Weir and setting up an unmarked Onana at the penalty area’s edge.
52 minutes: A brilliant sequence from Christian Pulisic saw him navigate the Belgian defense, but his shot from the penalty spot soared over the bar—a finish he will surely want back.
51 minutes: Cristian Roldan disrupted Belgium’s possession with an assertive tackle, showcasing why he remains a valuable asset on the field.
The Second Half is Underway!
The U.S. opted for a single substitution at halftime, as Cristian Roldan took the place of Johnny Cardoso.
Reader feedback includes a note on Pochettino’s halftime adjustments. One humorous suggestion was to reconsider the team’s kits, reminiscent of Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous gray shirt blame from years gone by, hinting that similar shades were confusing players on the pitch.
Insights from Jeff Rueter highlight that Christian Pulisic has traditionally been the primary corner taker for the U.S.; however, he has sometimes ceded this role to Berhalter. With both players being right-footed, Robinson’s role in taking corners could present a tactical advantage.
Halftime! USA 1-1 Belgium
The first half showcased a balanced contest, with Belgium mounting an assault particularly after the U.S. took the lead in the 39th minute. Jeremy Doku has emerged as a key threat for the Red Devils.
What were your thoughts on the first 45 minutes? How should Pochettino adjust his strategy? We welcome your insights.
In the final minutes, Doc once again targeted Weir, perilously driving into the box, but this attempt was thwarted by the U.S. defense. If continued, one of these runs will surely pay off.
Goal! USA 1-1 Belgium (Debasto, 45)
Belgium found the equalizer just before the halftime whistle, as De Basto capitalized on a mid-range shot. Doc’s attacking run drew defenders, allowing Debasto time and space to fire a low shot past Turner into the far corner.
Given the competition for the goalkeeping position, questions may arise regarding Turner’s positioning on that shot.
Goal! USA 1-0 Belgium (McKennie, 39)
Weston McKennie made a notable contribution to the U.S. team, netting a goal from a corner kick. He lost his marker, Nicola Raskin, before scoring from point-blank range, igniting the Star-Spangled Banner celebration among supporters.
Updated to 16.18 EDT
37 minutes: Disallowed Goal! Doc again found space on the left, delivering a ball to De Ketelaere. Turner was beaten, but fortune smiled upon him as the ball struck a Belgian arm before crossing the goal line—an unfortunate moment for the American keeper.
35 minutes: McKennie and Robinson executed a well-coordinated move down the left flank, but it was ultimately blocked, leading to a goal kick for Zeno De Basto.
Insights from Jeff Rueter noted that Tim Weah made his inaugural start as a right-back for the U.S., a move that proved successful thus far. He faced the pace of Jeremy Doku adeptly, but questions remain regarding the defensive organization on the right flank.
