Well, that was a brutal ending.
Team USA’s World Cup run came to an emphatic close Monday night in a 4-1 loss to Belgium. But the lasting image wasn’t the scoreline. It was Romelu Lukaku breaking out the Trump dance after Belgium’s fourth goal.
Surrounded by teammates, Lukaku celebrated as Belgium put the finishing touches on elimination, right here on American soil.
TEAM USA’S WORLD CUP RUN ENDS AS BELGIUM WINS ROUND OF 16 MATCHUP TO ADVANCE
OutKick founder Clay Travis told the hard truth about Belgium’s well-timed celebration.
“Belgium did the Trump dance after their fourth goal against us. I cant help but respect this trash talk. They whipped us, they get to dance.”
He’s right.
If you don’t want a European striker clowning you with your own President’s signature celebration, don’t give up four goals in a knockout match.
So, Belgium earned the right to talk trash.
Team USA had all the momentum coming into the Round of 16 matchup against Belgium.
President Donald Trump dominated the conversation before kickoff. His influence over FIFA’s decision to rescind Folarin Balogun’s suspension was hard to overlook, giving the Americans their leading scorer amid critical stakes.
It was a win for the Americans and ammunition for everyone else.
Belgium rolled Team USA 4-1, and Malik Tillman looked like the only American ready for the moment.
Matt Freese struggled mightily in goal, but no disappointment loomed larger than Christian Pulisic. Team USA’s captain disappeared when it mattered most, repeatedly giving away possession and failing to provide the spark his team desperately needed.
With Pulisic neutralized and Balogun largely held in check, the Americans had no answers.
Team USA folded after a hopeful climb to the Round of 16.
If Team USA hoped to establish itself among soccer’s elite, it came up well short.
Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela
