United States 2-5 Belgium｜Match Analysis & HEAT Score

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International Friendlies·28 Mar, 07:30 pm

2–5

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HT 1–1

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United States

Belgium

Ecstasyfrequent

Emotion Legend

Ecstasy

Frustration

USA's First-Half Brilliance Crumbles in Shocking 5-2 Defeat to Belgium

HOME

United States

Frustration

After taking an early lead, the home side suffered a devastating 5-2 defeat, exposing significant defensive vulnerabilities and raising concerns for their World Cup preparations.

AWAY

Belgium

Ecstasy

Despite conceding first, Belgium showcased overwhelming attacking prowess in the second half, scoring five goals to secure a dominant away victory against a World Cup co-host.

USA's Bright Start, McKennie's Opener, and Kit Confusion

The USMNT, playing as a World Cup co-host, started with high intensity, delighting home fans when Weston McKennie scored in the 39th minute, assisted by Antonee Robinson. They matched Belgium throughout the first half, showcasing a confident performance against a top-ranked opponent. However, a notable distraction was the similar kit colors worn by both teams, leading to numerous complaints from TV viewers and stadium attendees who found it difficult to distinguish between players.

Belgium's Surge and VAR Decision Shifts Momentum

Belgium equalized just before halftime through Zeno Debast, then dramatically increased their intensity in the second half. Amadou Onana scored the go-ahead goal in the 53rd minute. Just six minutes later, a VAR review confirmed a handball by Tim Ream, leading to a penalty kick which Charles De Ketelaere calmly converted, extending Belgium's lead to 3-1. This VAR decision proved to be a pivotal moment, deflating the USMNT while providing Belgium with decisive momentum.

Lukébakio's Brace and USA's Defensive Collapse

Belgium's relentless attack continued, with substitute Dodi Lukébakio stealing the show. He scored a brilliant curling left-footed shot in the 68th minute, then added his second goal with a composed finish in the 82nd. Belgium netted four goals in the second half alone, completely dismantling the American defense. Although Patrick Agyemang scored a late consolation for the USA in the 87th minute, it was too little, too late. The humiliating 5-2 home defeat served as a significant wake-up call for their World Cup aspirations.

The USMNT suffered a humiliating 5-2 home defeat, a stark reality check just three months before the World Cup. Coach Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged the "pain" but viewed it as a necessary lesson, stating, "It's better for such a result to happen now." However, fans are deeply disappointed by the team's second-half collapse after a promising start, exposing defensive frailties. This heavy loss, the largest at home after scoring first since 1959, casts a shadow over their World Cup aspirations. Conversely, Belgium, despite conceding first, shifted gears in the second half, unleashing a dominant attack to score five goals. Coach Rudi Garcia expressed satisfaction with their offensive quality, confidently stating they "can score against any team." This convincing away win boosts their confidence ahead of the World Cup.

USA's Second-Half Defensive Collapse

After a promising first half where Weston McKennie's opener gave them the lead, the US defense completely unraveled in the second half. Belgium's Amadou Onana scored the go-ahead goal, followed by Charles De Ketelaere's penalty after a VAR review. Dodi Lukébakio then added two more, resulting in a nightmare scenario of five goals conceded in just 29 minutes. The team's inability to contain Belgium's attackers and their individual defensive struggles highlighted an urgent need for defensive reorganization ahead of the World Cup.

Belgium's Attacking Explosion and Lukébakio's Brilliance

After Zeno Debast's equalizer just before halftime, Belgium's attack exploded in the second half. Substitute Dodi Lukébakio was particularly brilliant, scoring a superb curling shot with his left foot in the 68th minute and adding another composed finish in the 82nd, contributing significantly to the goal tally. Led by Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium's offensive prowess overwhelmed the American defense. The five-goal haul demonstrated Belgium's high level of attacking readiness for the upcoming World Cup.

Next Match Focus

For the USMNT, this heavy defeat serves as a crucial "reality check" for the World Cup. Rebuilding their defensive organization and improving their ability to maintain high intensity throughout the match are immediate priorities. Their upcoming match against Portugal will be a key test to see how they apply the lessons learned from this Belgium thrashing. Belgium, on the other hand, gained significant confidence from showcasing their destructive attacking power. While not without defensive areas to improve, this dominant victory provides a strong foundation as they continue their preparations for the World Cup.