Belgium crush USA 4-1 to reach quarter-finals

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Belgium booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals with a commanding 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States in Seattle.

A brace from Charles De Ketelaere in the ninth and 33rd minutes, along with goals from Hans Vanaken in the 57th minute and Romelu Lukaku deep into stoppage time, sealed an emphatic win for the Red Devils.

Belgium dominated the contest from the start, with De Ketelaere’s early double putting them firmly in control before Vanaken and Lukaku completed a convincing victory to send the Red Devils into the last eight.

The United States pulled a goal back through a Malik Tillman free-kick that took a deflection, levelling the score against the run of play. However, Belgium regained the lead just 56 seconds later through Charles De Ketelaere.

Hans Vanaken made it 3-1 after capitalising on a mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese.

Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the victory in stoppage time, cutting in from the left before firing a right-footed shot into the bottom corner to make it 4-1.

Belgium will now face Spain in the quarter-finals.

Two quarter-final fixtures have now been confirmed.

England will take on Norway, while France will face Morocco.