Belgium and Spain reach World Cup quarterfinals as US eliminated and Ronaldo bows out
Belgium advanced to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals after defeating co-host United States 4-1 in their Round of 16 match in Seattle on Monday, ending the Americans' hopes of reaching the last eight for the first time since 2002.
The match followed controversy surrounding US striker Folarin Balogun, who was cleared to play despite receiving a red card in the previous round after FIFA reviewed his suspension.
The decision came after US President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review. Belgium objected to the ruling, with some Belgian supporters displaying red cards before kickoff. FIFA later rejected Belgium's appeal and announced that Balogun and US Soccer had each been fined $40,000.
Belgium took the lead through Charles De Ketelaere before the United States equalized when Malik Tillman converted a free kick after Balogun won the foul.
The parity lasted only two minutes as De Ketelaere headed home his second goal of the match to restore Belgium's advantage.
Hans Vanaken extended the lead in the 57th minute after US goalkeeper Matt Freese misplayed the ball outside the penalty area, allowing Belgium to score into an empty net. Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal in stoppage time following another defensive error to complete the victory.
Belgium will now face Spain in the quarterfinals.
Merino sends Spain through as Ronaldo's World Cup career ends
Spain secured its place in the quarterfinals with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal after Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in stoppage time.
Merino collected a through ball from Ferran Torres in the 90th minute before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Diogo Costa to settle a tightly contested encounter.
Spain controlled much of the midfield through Rodri, while Portugal's best opportunity before halftime came when Nuno Mendes' deflected effort struck the crossbar.
Cristiano Ronaldo, making what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance, was unable to influence the match as Portugal struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. The 41-year-old forward, who remains the only player to have scored in six FIFA World Cups, left the field after the final whistle following Portugal's elimination.
Spain will meet Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday for a place in the semifinals.
Remaining Round of 16 matches
The Round of 16 concludes on Tuesday with Argentina taking on Egypt at 19:00 GMT, followed by Switzerland's match against Colombia at 23:00 GMT.
Source:AA
