Belgium Thrash USA in World Cup Warm-Up

USA suffers humbling defeat to Belgium | GettyImages

Belgium crush USA in friendly, extending unbeaten run to 10 games. Lukebakio scores spectacular goal as Belgium beats USA 5-2 in World Cup warm-up...

USA falls to first-ever defeat in Georgia as Belgium dominates 5-2...

Belgium's impressive unbeaten run continues, with a 5-2 thrashing of the USA in a friendly match, serving as a harsh reality check for the World Cup co-hosts. The Red Devils were clinical in the second half, extending their unbeaten streak to 10 matches (W7, D3) under Rudi Garcia.

The USA had hoped to start strong against a star-studded Belgian side, given their unbeaten record in the last five warm-up games (W4, D1). However, Belgium created the first clear-cut opportunity, with Alexis Saelemaekers firing over from a promising position in the box.

USA crashes to Belgium in Georgia 

The USA bounced back from the early scare, growing into the match and nearly taking the lead when Weston McKennie's close-range effort was spectacularly blocked by Senne Lammens.

Belgium continued to threaten in the final third, with Saelemaekers' low strike comfortably saved by Matt Turner. Charles De Ketelaere also had a goal ruled out for a handball in the build-up, showcasing Belgium's attacking intent.

The USA took the lead shortly after, with Weston McKennie finding himself unmarked in the six-yard box to convert from Antonee Robinson's corner. McKennie's header found its way into the net, giving the Stars and Stripes the advantage.

Belgium leveled the score just before half-time, with Zeno Debast scoring his first international goal – a stunning long-range finish into the bottom corner, leaving Matt Turner no chance.

The match remained end-to-end in the second half, with Christian Pulisic wasting a great chance, shooting over from 12 yards. The intensity was palpable as both teams looked for a winning goal.

The hosts were immediately punished for that miss, as Saelemaekers' clever cutback was clinically swept home by Amadou Onana. Belgium's momentum was building, and they looked set to press home their advantage.

Jeremy Doku's dangerous effort was saved by Turner, but the visitors were awarded a penalty when Tim Ream was harshly penalised for a handball in the box. De Ketelaere assumed the responsibility from the spot, and the Atalanta man sent Turner the wrong way to extend the Red Devils' lead.

Dodi Lukebakio, one of the substitutes introduced, got his name on the scoresheet in the 68th minute. He cut in from the right-hand side of the box and unleashed a spectacular strike into the top corner, leaving Turner no chance.

 

Belgium's attack was relentless, and they added a fifth goal when Lukébakio powered a loose ball beyond Turner in the closing stages. It was a case of damage limitation for Mauricio Pochettino's side, but Belgium's ruthless attack secured a convincing win.

A late consolation from Patrick Agyemang, who capitalized on a calamitous mistake from Youri Tielemans, salvaged a sliver of pride for the hosts. However, it was a sobering night for the Stars and Stripes, as they fell to their first-ever defeat in the state of Georgia (W2, D2).