United States’ FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday (local time), prompting a strong response from the Iran Football Federation.Belgium beat the hosts to book their place in the quarterfinals, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice and setting up another goal.The United States were boosted by the presence of forward Folarin Balogun after FIFA lifted his one-game suspension following his red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The decision came after the US President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review the case.However, Belgium dominated the game as defensive mistakes from the United States led to two goals in the first half, while a mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese early in the second half helped Belgium extend its lead. Substitute Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal in stoppage time.It was the most goals the United States had conceded in a World Cup game since a 5-1 loss to Czechoslovakia in its opening game in the 1990 tournament.The defeat also ended another attempt by the United States to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Since then, the Americans have now been eliminated in the 16 four times.The result was welcomed by Iran, who exited the tournament in the group stage after drawing all three of their matches. During the tournament, Iranian officials said the team was treated unfairly in North America.In a statement, a spokesman for the Iran Football Federation said: “Now the whole world is dancing to celebrate the shameful defeat of politics and football.”The official Instagram account of the Iranian football team also posted a photo of Belgium’s 4-1 victory over the United States along with Belgium’s goalless draw with Iran in the group, with the caption: “Dance with me!”.
Earlier, the official account of Belgium X reacted to FIFA’s decision to lift Balogun’s suspension by writing: “Change this.”
