USMNT eliminated from World Cup after 3-1 loss to Belgium

Trump's Influence on FIFA Decision Raises Integrity Concerns

It was not possible to disassociate Donald Trump's meddling from the U.S. Men's National Team (U.S.M.N.T.) altogether. During his comments to the press, Trump joked about taking credit for the 250th anniversary of the United States. However, his actual impact on FIFA's decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play may have been less than he liked to imply.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, like Trump, clearly wants stars on television—and the revenue that comes with them. A few months earlier, FIFA had suspended a suspension of Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo after he received a red card during World Cup qualifying, allowing him to play in Portugal's first two World Cup games.

Historically, FIFA has been known for its flexible approach to ethics. Even so, there was no real precedent for this kind of naked political involvement in matters directly related to the flow of a particular game. The question remained: What did it mean for the integrity of the tournament?

Mixed Reactions to Balogun's Eligibility

Not everyone was conflicted. "We celebrate the decision," U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino declared. No doubt—the U.S. had their best goal scorer for their biggest game. They could tell themselves that leaders from other countries would have tried to do the same, which is almost certainly true.

Before kickoff, as fans filled Seattle's Pioneer Square, there was little difference from what had been witnessed when the U.S. team played Australia in the group stage. Fans marched. Everyone seemed to be wearing red, white, and blue. There were spontaneous chants of "U.S.A.!," face paint, and flags worn as capes.

Inside the stadium, Balogun received a huge cheer when he was announced. "The Star-Spangled Banner" was sung with gusto. Loud boos greeted the Belgians the first few times they touched the ball.

A Fragile Start Turns Into a Bloodbath

The enthusiasm was fragile. Within the first minute, a Belgian player charged down the field and rocketed the ball toward the goal. Goalkeeper Matt Freese had to dive for the save. The pressure continued in front of the U.S. goal. Less than ten minutes into the match, the U.S. defense ground to a stop, and Belgium scored. The crowd gasped, then reeled, as if sucker-punched.

It was a bloodbath:

• When the U.S. tried to press, Belgium played through it.
• When the U.S. tried to move the ball up through the channels, they gave it away.
• Christian Pulisic, long the team's most prominent and important player, had 11 turnovers in the first half alone—more than anyone else had all game.
• The midfield, which had been the team's strength and its purring engine, was disorganized.
• Dribbles were loose and easily deflected.
• The back line was under siege.

Belgium Dominates

The Red Devils, meanwhile, were sailing. Their coach, Rudi Garcia, showed tactical daring, holding out two of his more prominent players until partway through the second half, injecting energy when the starters began to flag. The team seemed united and galvanized—the opposite of the U.S. team, which showed little urgency.

Thirty minutes into the match, it felt like Belgium could have been up by seven goals. Then, abruptly, a foul was called. For the second time in two games, Malik Tillman netted a free kick to even the score. The U.S. were in it—for some 50 more seconds. Then Belgium scored again.

Pochettino kicked over a water carrier.

Greater Humiliation Follows

Greater humiliation was still coming. In the second half, Freese stepped off his line to control a ball, hesitated, stubbed his foot against the ground, and lost the ball. Belgium's Hans Vanaken thumped it into the goal past defender Tim Ream, who flailed lamely as Belgium scored. The home crowd jeered.