After Sunday saw England knock out Mexico and Norway eliminate Brazil, Monday brought two more heavyweight matchups in the World Cup Round of 16, and it started with an Iberian showdown between Spain and Portugal.
Spain has looked like one of the tournament’s most complete teams and thoroughly dominated Portugal on Monday, but La Roja just couldn’t break through with a goal.
Then, in stoppage time, Mikel Merino slipped one in after a gorgeous pass from Ferran Torres to break the deadlock and win the game for Spain.
In the nightcap, U.S. proved no match for Belgium in Seattle. FIFA had rescinded Folarin Balogun’s suspension a day prior, but it didn’t matter as the Red Devils ran roughshod over the Americans.
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere scored in the ninth minute to get things started before USA’s Malik Tillman delivered another brilliant free kick to tie things up in the 31st minute.
But just a minute later, De Ketelaere got behind the U.S. defense for another goal.
Then, in the second half, Hans Vanaken finished off an easy kick after a horrific American defensive sequence from goalkeeper Matt Freese and defender Tim Ream to make it 3-1 and Romelu Lukaku delivered the dagger in stoppage time for the final score.
(Yahoo Sports)
