The United States men's national soccer team's World Cup run concluded Monday with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16. The loss, played in Seattle, saw the American side largely outplayed by their European opponents. Belgium secured their victory with goals from Charles De Ketelaere and a brace from Hans Vanaken, while Malik Tillman scored the lone goal for the U.S.
Belgium took the lead nine minutes into the match with a goal by Charles De Ketelaere. This marked the first time the U.S. had not scored the opening goal of a match during their tournament. While Malik Tillman equalized in the 31st minute, De Ketelaere quickly restored Belgium's lead before halftime.
In the second half, an error by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese in the 57th minute led to Belgium's third goal. A late goal in stoppage time sealed the 4-1 victory for Belgium. The 2002 U.S. World Cup squad remains the only American team to have reached the quarterfinals in the modern tournament format.