Belgium recovered from an early setback to deliver a convincing 5-2 victory over the United States in a friendly international match on Saturday, a result that raises concerns for the World Cup co-hosts. Weston McKennie put the US ahead with a goal from a corner in the 39th minute, but Belgian defender Zeno Debast equalized just before halftime with a powerful long-range strike.
In the second half, Amadou Onana gave Belgium the lead eight minutes after the break, followed by Charles De Ketelaere converting a penalty six minutes later to extend the advantage. Substitute Dodi Lukebakio further asserted Belgian dominance by scoring two goals, one in the 68th minute and another nine minutes before full time. The US managed a late consolation goal in the 87th minute through Patrick Agyemang after a defensive error.
Both teams used the match as preparation for the World Cup scheduled for June. While Belgium’s comfortable win enhances their reputation, the performance of the US side, who will co-host the tournament, is cause for concern. Their defense struggled to contain Jeremy Doku, whose skillful dribbling on the left flank repeatedly unsettled the American backline. Overall, the US were outplayed in most aspects by a composed Belgian team.
The US took the lead when McKennie found space unmarked to finish Antonee Robinson’s curling corner. However, Doku’s shot just before halftime was saved by goalkeeper Matt Turner but fell to Debast, who struck a low, powerful shot that caught Turner off guard to level the score. Doku’s dribbling also created the opportunity for Onana’s neat side-footed finish to put Belgium ahead.
The penalty awarded to Belgium came after a VAR review determined that US captain Tim Ream handled the ball while attempting to block a shot. Lukebakio’s first goal originated from a deep run by veteran fullback Thomas Meunier, with Lukebakio cutting inside to curl the ball into the top corner. Belgium’s fifth goal was a simple tap-in from Timothy Castagne’s assist, while a defensive lapse involving Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens and Youri Tielemans allowed Agyemang to reduce the deficit late on.
Belgium will remain in the US for another World Cup warm-up match against Mexico in Chicago on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the United States will host Portugal in Atlanta on the same evening.
