Belgium defeat United States 5-2 in heavy World Cup preparation blow
The United States suffered a severe setback in their World Cup preparations as Belgium secured an emphatic 5-2 victory at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday.
Weston McKennie initially rewarded the tournament co-hosts for an impressive start, turning in an Antonee Robinson corner at the back post to claim his first international goal in three years.
However, Zeno Debast levelled for the European side on the stroke of half-time with a stunning long-range strike.
Defensive vulnerabilities exposed
The visitors ruthlessly exploited a makeshift American defence after the interval, scoring three times during a devastating 15-minute spell.
Amadou Onana fired the Red Devils ahead before Charles De Ketelaere converted a penalty following a handball by home captain Tim Ream.
Dodi Lukebakio then delivered the standout moment of the match, curling a magnificent effort into the top corner beyond returning goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The Belgian attacker added his second and the visitors’ fifth late in the game, prompting early exits from frustrated sections of the 66,867-strong crowd.
Injuries hamper Pochettino’s plans
Substitute Patrick Agyemang managed a late consolation for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, but the heavy defeat snapped a promising five-game unbeaten streak under the Argentine manager.
The hosts were severely depleted at the back, missing key defenders Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards and Miles Robinson alongside holding midfielder Tyler Adams.
Consequently, Tim Weah was forced to start at right-back and endured a torrid afternoon attempting to contain Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku.
Final preparations approach
The defeat extends Belgium’s winning run against the Americans to six consecutive matches, a dominant streak dating back to their lone loss at the inaugural 1930 tournament.
Pochettino now faces a crucial final assessment window when his squad returns to Atlanta to host Portugal on Tuesday before naming his roster in May.
The Stars and Stripes will launch their World Cup campaign against Paraguay on 12 June in Inglewood, California.
