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Team USA didn’t have the first-half start they had hoped for against Belgium in the round of 16, and head coach Mauricio Pochettino showed some justifiable frustration as a result.
Belgium shocked the U.S. system less than 10 minutes into the match when Charles De Ketelaar’s deflection from just in front of Matt Freese’s goal drew a quiet murmur from the sold-out crowd at Seattle Stadium.
But things returned to normal when Malik Tillman, who scored a second-half free kick against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 16, did it again. Tillman fired the ball past legendary Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois thanks to a deflection off one of the Belgian defenders.
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Mauricio Pochettino, USA manager, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, USA. (Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos)
It was in the 31st minute, but Pochettino’s frustration showed after the USA conceded their second goal just two minutes later.
It was De Ketelare again, this time leaping over experienced defender Tim Ream and heading the ball into the back of the net.
THANKS TO TRUMP, A RESTED USA TEAM HAS AN ABSOLUTE ADVANTAGE OVER A FURIOUS BELGIUM AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP
As Belgium celebrated their victory, Pochettino walked to his bench and expressed his displeasure at what he had just witnessed on the pitch by smashing his right boot into the Powerade bottles lying on the ground.
That’s exactly what the half was like for Team USA heading into the break with a lot to do before the start of the second half.
Mauricio Pochettino USA Manager/Head Coach during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, USA. (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA)
Although possession was relatively close – Belgium had 53% possession to the USMNT’s 47% – it was clear that the Belgians had the advantage in attack. They finished the half with five shots on goal and just one from the USA. They also created four big chances, meaning this game could have gone a lot further for the USA than the scoreboard currently shows.
The USMNT will need to play better if they want to reach the quarterfinals to face Spain and keep their World Cup title dreams alive. If they can do this, they will become the second team in US history to achieve this, as only the 2002 team was able to reach the quarterfinals in this modern World Cup format.
Mauricio Pochettino USA Manager/Head Coach during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, USA. (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA)
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Pochettino may have more frustrations vented in the dressing room but it is clear the manager may have to be smart as Belgium control the momentum after the opening 45 minutes.
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Scott Thompson is a sports columnist for Fox News Digital.