Team USA did not have the first-half start they were hoping for against Belgium in the Round of 16, and head coach Mauricio Pochettino displayed some rightful frustration because of it.Belgium sent a shock to the USA system not even 10 minutes into the match when Charles De Ketelaere tapped in a ball served right in front of Matt Freese’s net and sent a silent murmur over the sold-out Seattle Stadium crowd.But things felt back to normal when Malik Tillman, who scored a free kick in the second half against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, did it again.Tillman buried his shot past legendary Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois thanks to a deflection off one of Belgium’s defenders.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMMauricio Pochettino, Manager of the United States during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, United States.
(Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos)That was in the 31st minute, but Pochettino’s display of frustration came after the U.S.conceded their second goal just two minutes later.It was De Ketelaere once again, this time leaping over veteran defender Tim Ream and using his head to place the ball in the back of the net.THANKS TO TRUMP, A RESTED TEAM USA HAS THE ULTIMATE EDGE OVER A FURIOUS BELGIUM IN THE 2026 WORLD CUPAs Belgium celebrated, Pochettino walked over to his bench and let out his displeasure with what he just witnessed on the pitch with a right boot to the Powerade bottles on the ground.That’s the type of half it was for Team USA, which went into halftime with a lot to go over before the second half begins.Mauricio Pochettino Manager / Head Coach of USA during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, United States.
(Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)While possession was relatively close – Belgium owned it 53% to the USMNT’s 47% -- it was clear the Belgians had the advantage in the of...