Day 9 of FIFA Knockout Rounds – Round of 16; Tough Games, Tough Endings

Tough endings are always brought from great beginnings. Two teams were sent home today after great starts and great World Cups. Two teams that had tough days won’t be defined by their lowest point, but by everything they brought to this tournament. 

Portugal vs Spain

I want to say this was a tough start for Portugal, but honestly… It was a tough game for Portugal. Spain had more shots and more possession, and it showed. Portugal looked tired throughout this game. As good as Cristiano Ronaldo has been throughout his career, I’m not entirely sure why he played the whole game. He wasn’t influential and really hasn’t been throughout the World Cup to this point. Yes, he scored a penalty kick, but he didn’t do the work to earn the penalty kick. I thought head coach Roberto Martínez had better options on the bench and yet stuck with Portugal’s legend. A tough ending to Ronaldo’s career. However, it’s a very bright start to Lamine Yamal’s career in the World Cup. Spain moved on after a one goal victory, which saw Mikel Merino score. Yamal however affected this game in numerous ways. 3 total shots, one on net. He also had 7 defensive interventions. He is proving to be a force on both offense and defense. At 18 years old, if he continues on this path, he has the potential to become one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

I also wrote my last article about stellar goalkeeping. Both goalies in this game were fantastic. Diogo Costa had 5 saves to keep Portugal in the game while Unai Simón had a clean sheet with 2 saves. I have to give credit where credit is due, either team could have won this game. Both teams fought hard,  but ultimately, Spain was the better team.

Belgium vs United States

The United States got Folarin Balogun, but the Belgian Head Coach, Rudi Garcia, elected not to start Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Arthur Theate. I talked about the lack of depth for the United States after Balogun picked up a red card that was ultimately suspended, but Head Coach Garcia seemed to make changes to his starting lineup to take advantage of that lack of depth later in the game. However, even early on in the game, Belgium had more energy and confidence. Lackluster defense from the United States resulted in numerous shots on net and a headed ball by Chris Richards that wasn’t met by an American foot, turned into a goal for Charles De Ketelaere. Belgium up 1-0. In 9 minutes.

For 21 minutes it was all Belgium until Tyler Adams dropped back and let the forwards push up resulting in a Malik Tillman free kick that was deflected by a Belgian defender for a goal. Tied up 1-1, but while the celebration was still going on, a cross from Belgium met another De Ketelaere header, as he rose over Tim Ream, who endured one of his toughest performances of the tournament, to score his second goal of the game. Belgium, 2-1 within 61 seconds of America tying it. America had some chances in the first half after that but nothing came through. The back line, primarily Tim Ream, had a very tough first half. Belgium capitalized on their chances, but could have had more. 

The United States were off to a great start of the second half until Christian Pulisic got injured and a delayed substitute led to a deep pass from a defender, to a streaking Belgian player. Matt Freese came out to contest, and he froze. He just decided not to kick the ball, and De Ketelaere deflected his touch to Hans Vanaken for an easy goal. 3-1 Belgium, and Christian Pulisic left the game. A tough way to end the World Cup for Pulisic. After the hydration break, Ricardo Pepi came in for Tyler Adams, which made no sense to me. Tyler Adams has been the heartbeat of the United States, and as I said in my previous article… Ricardo Pepi has not been a spark plug for this team. American Head Coach, Mauricio Pochettino, who was seated for the majority of the game, is not the type of coach that a young, fiery team needs. Mauricio Pochettino needed to be a stronger presence this game. Today’s result doesn’t erase what Mauricio Pochettino accomplished with this team though. He guided the United States to its deepest World Cup run in over two decades. But today also showed that the next step for this program isn’t just reaching the Round of 16… it’s learning how to beat the teams that expect to be there every four years. A tough end for the Americans in the World Cup. But a really strong path forward.

Two very tough games to watch for two different fan bases, and two amazing games to watch for more. The teams that left the World Cup gave great memories, just as the rest. No host team is still standing, but we get to see some great soccer continue. Like I said at the beginning of this article… tough endings are brought from great beginnings. One last thing before I sign off. I’ve watched a lot of soccer with my dad during this World Cup, and I’m moving out of my parents’ house this weekend. Dad, thanks for being my World Cup watch party buddy. I love you, man. Soccer really is for everyone. Until tomorrow, cheers!