This Saturday, Belgium emerged victorious with a 5-2 win against the USA during a friendly encounter held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The hosts opened the scoring with Weston McKennie netting a goal in the 38th minute, followed by a late goal from Patrick Agyemang in the 41st minute of the second half. For the visitors, Zeno Debast scored the first goal just before half-time in the 44th minute. The second half saw Belgium score three goals from Amadou Onana (7’), Charles De Ketelaere (penalty, 13’), and Dodi Lukebakio, who found the net twice (22’ and 36’).
Dodi Lukebakio showcased an outstanding performance, contributing two goals and making two attempts throughout the match.
The defensive presence of Zeno Debast was pivotal, as the Belgian defender not only scored but also successfully cleared four dangerous balls away from his goal.
USA’s head coach Mauricio Pochettino opted for a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Matt Turner in goal; Tim Weah, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, and Antonee Robinson in defense; and a midfield comprising Johnny Cardoso, Tanner Tessmann, Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman, and Christian Pulisic, with Folarin Balogun leading the attack.
Meanwhile, Rudi García’s Belgium also employed a 4-5-1 setup, with Senne Lammens guarding the net; Thomas Meunier, Zeno Debast, Brandon Mechele, and Maxim De Cuyper forming the backline; a midfield of Nicolas Raskin, Amadou Onana, Alexis Saelemaekers, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku; and Charles De Ketelaere up front.
Esteban Ostojich was the match official, maintaining order throughout the game.
Substitutions for USA
45’ 2T – Johnny Cardoso was replaced by Cristian Roldan
64’ 2T – Antonee Robinson made way for Max Arfsten, Tim Weah for Sebastian Berhalter, and Tanner Tessmann for Alexander Freeman
70’ 2T – Weston McKennie for Gio Reyna, Christian Pulisic for Ricardo Pepi, Folarin Balogun for Patrick Agyemang, Malik Tillman for Joe Scally, Jeremy Doku for Mika Godts, Nicolas Raskin for Axel Witsel, Thomas Meunier for Timothy Castagne, Amadou Onana for Nathan De Cat, and Kevin De Bruyne for Youri Tielemans
Cautions for USA:
18’ 1T Weston McKennie (Unsporting Behavior) and 35’ 2T Joe Scally (Unsporting Behavior)
Substitutions for Belgium
61’ 2T – Maxim De Cuyper was substituted for Joaquin Seys, Charles De Ketelaere for Lois Openda, and Alexis Saelemaekers for Dodi Lukebakio
62’ 2T – Zeno Debast for Nathan Ngoy and Brandon Mechele for Koni De Winter