Belgium ready to shift attention after World Cup Trump dance troll: Different ways to celebrate
INGLEWOOD, Calif.— Belgium’s 4-1 dismantling of the United States in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 wasn’t enough.
The Red Devils wanted the last laugh, too.As Romelu Lukaku buried Belgium’s fourth goal Monday night in Seattle, he sprinted toward the corner flag and with his teammates quickly joining him, broke into the unmistakable dance made famous by President Donald Trump at political rallies.You know the one.The one impersonated by athletes across the country, including USMNT star Christian Pulisic.
The one that involves slow swaying fists and rhythmic shoulder movements to the tune of the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.”Later, the same celebration moved into Belgium’s locker room, where players repeated the dance while singing along to the song that has become synonymous with Trump’s campaign appearances.Another jab at the Americans came in a message posted on Belgium’s official X account shortly after the final whistle: “Overturn this.”It was Belgium’s pointed response after FIFA suspended the one-match red card suspension of U.S.striker Folarin Balogun following reported intervention from Trump the day before kickoff.
The controversial decision irritated the Belgian camp.The federation appealed the decision and lost, but the players turned their frustration into fuel.“We told ourselves we needed to do our talking on the pitch,” captain Youri Tielemans said after the victory.
“That’s what we did today.”Midfielder Charles De Ketelaere, who scored twice in the victory, admitted the ruling provided extra motivation.“I think for sure it had some impact on us,” De Ketelaere told Fox’s Tom Rinaldi.“We had a little extra motivation.
For sure it motivated us a little bit more and you saw it today.”Nicolas Raskin was even more blunt.“There’s always justice somewhere in life,” the Belgian midfielder said.On Wednesday, as Belgium settled into preparations for its quarterfinal against Spain, the celebration had become o...