Sam’s Army Report Game 5, Elimination Game With Belgium
Sam’s Army was hoping for an unlikely trip for the United States to the round of eight in the 2026 World Cup. The United States hoped to take advantage of the raucous crowd in Seattle. The game did not start well for the United States, with the Belgians scoring early and dominating the early play. The United States seemed out of sorts.
Sam’s Army and the United States came into this game on a high. President Trump weighed in and got the red-card suspension for Folarin Balogun reversed. That was the first red card reversal in the World Cup since 1962. Did you think Balogun playing for the United States would help or hinder them?
Sam’s Army Game Summary July 6
The game tonight did not start well for the United States and Sam’s Army. The Belgians dominated the first 15 minutes of the game and outshot the United States 6-0. They also scored the first goal of the game, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring. The United States had scored the first goal of each of its first four games. It would be interesting to see if they had the gumption to please Sam’s Army and turn the tide in this game. Maybe the momentum will shift at the hydration break.
However, on a free kick from relatively close range, Malik Tillman scored for the United States, and the score was 1-1. The United States was still getting outplayed, but the game was even where it mattered – on the scoreboard. A set piece is a good way to get back into a game when you are getting outplayed.
That lead, however, was short-lived. Charles De Ketelaere scored his second goal of the game, giving Belgium a 2-1 lead. The goal happened just shortly after the Tillman goal.
The second half started with optimism for the United States. They could not play worse than they did in the first half. In fact, they played better. The United States made a substitution right away in the second half, with Gio Reyna replacing Sergiño Dest, a move intended to increase its offensive pressure.
However, Hans Vanaken scored for Belgium. The Belgians led 3-1. That goal was a particularly bad one for the United States. They had dominated play to begin the second half and surrendered this funny goal. The American goalkeeper misplayed the ball right to a Belgian attacker.
Then, Belgium brought in some very impressive substitutes. Doku, in particular, looked dangerous every time he touched the ball. Though the United States held the balance of play after the third Belgian goal, the Belgians played good defense. Then Romelu Lukaku scored the Belgians’ fourth goal. So, the United States lost 4-1, and the Belgians will advance to face Spain Friday afternoon in Los Angeles.
Presidential Intervention
The best player for the United States in this tournament has been Folarin Balogun. He has three goals so far in the World Cup. In the round of 32, against Bosnia and Herzegovina, he received a controversial red card. That meant the United States had to play around 30 minutes with ten men. It also meant Balogun was going to have to miss the game tonight. Many commentators said the Balagun tackle was not deserving of a red card.
A red card in the World Cup has never been reversed. In this case, however, to the delight of Sam’s Army, American President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino, with whom he is friends. He got the red card reversed. Balogun was allowed to play. That move thrilled the United States and angered Belgium.
Conclusion
The big question heading into this game was whether the home crowd and the emotional boost of getting Folarin Balogun back would be enough to carry the United States past Belgium and into the quarterfinals against Spain. However, the team looked nervous and played poorly in the first half of this game. They played better in the second half, but surrendered two terrible goals.
