Romelu Lukaku scripted a unique piece of World Cup history with a super-sub performance as Belgium ended the USA dream

ByTech Word News

Belgian Romelu Lukaku (9) celebrates after the World Cup Round of 16 match against the United States. (AP photo) Romelu Lukaku etched his name into World Cup history as Belgium stormed into the quarter-finals with a commanding 4-1 victory over the United States, becoming the first player ever to score as a substitute in four different World Cup matches.The prolific striker came off the bench late in the second half and needed just one shot to make his mark, scoring Belgium’s fourth goal in stoppage time to cap another ruthless cameo. It also extended a stunning run of efficiency for the veteran striker, who has now scored with his only shot in each of his last three World Cup appearances – against New Zealand, Senegal and now the United States.While Charles De Ketelaere stole the headlines with two goals and an assist, Lukaku’s late strike ensured he entered the tournament record books as Belgium set up a sensational quarter-final clash against Spain.Romelu Lukaku in his last three World Cup matches

  • vs. New Zealand: 1 shot, 1 goal
  • vs Senegal: 1 shot, 1 goal
  • vs USA: 1 shot, 1 goal

Belgium punishes defensive mistakes

The United States went into the knockout clash boosted by the availability of Folarin Balogun after FIFA controversially overturned his one-match ban, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side never recovered from a series of costly defensive errors.Belgium took the lead in the eighth minute when De Ketelaere finished off a flowing move before Malik Tillman briefly restored parity with a superb free-kick in the 31st minute.The celebrations lasted barely a minute. Just 61 seconds after the restart, De Ketelaere headed Belgium back in front before turning provider to Hans Vanaken, whose effort followed a costly mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese early in the second half.Lukaku, introduced in the 67th minute, completed the rout in stoppage time after Chris Richards gave up possession and calmly slotted home for his 93rd international goal.

Pochettino rues wasted opportunity

Defeat ended another promising campaign at the World Cup for the co-hosts, who fell again at the round of 16 hurdle.“Everybody saw from the start that we didn’t connect with the game,” US coach Mauricio Pochettino said after the game. “It’s a process we have to learn. We have to evaluate that game and we have to see why we didn’t approach it the same way we approached the rest of the World Cup.”The defeat also extended an unwanted trend for the Americans. The U.S. has now been eliminated in the round of 16 in six of seven appearances at this stage of the FIFA World Cup, including each of its last four knockout appearances.Belgium, meanwhile, extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches and advanced to 2010 champions Spain in the quarter-finals.But for Lukaku, the night was history. One substitute appearance, one shot and one goal was all he needed to become the first player to score as a substitute in four different FIFA World Cup matches, reiterating why he remains one of the most devastating players in international football.