Mistakes help doom Americans' chances in 4-1 loss despite red card break for Balogun.

United States goalkeeper Matt Freese reacts after Belgium scores its third goal during a World Cup match in Seattle on Monday. Ted S. Warren - AP.

Fans of the U.S. men's national soccer team react to Belgium scoring a second goal at a FIFA World Cup watch party at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson on Monday. Drew A. Kelley staff Photographer.

The United States' Malik Tillman celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal against Belgium on Monday. Belgium went on to win 4-1 and will take on Spain at noon Friday at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood. Ted S. Warren the associated press.

By STAFF REPORT

Presidential intervention wasn't enough to overcome a superior team and devastating mistakes.

The United States' run in the World Cup came to an abrupt end Monday in a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 at Seattle's Lumen Field in a game front-loaded with controversy that ultimately didn't matter.

The Americans had striker Folarin Balogun on the pitch after President Donald Trump and others asked FIFA to reconsider his suspension from his red card in the round of 32, drawing the ire of Belgium and other European squads.

Down 2-1 at halftime, the Americans showed some life until goalkeeper Matt Freese misplayed a ball and allowed an easy goal by Hans Vanaken to effectively end U.S. hopes. Charles De Ketelaere had two goals for Belgium, and Romelu Lukaku finished off the U.S. in stoppage time.

American Malik Tillman scored on a free kick in the first half, but the Americans couldn't build on that and were eliminated from the tournament they co-hosted with Canada and Mexico.

Belgium will face Spain, which knocked out Portugal earlier Monday, in the quarterfinals at noon Friday at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood.