After all the pre-game controversy surrounding the Folarin Balogun situation, it was the Red Devils of Belgium who responded strongly to end any hopes that the USA had of a fairy-tale World Cup campaign. Many had predicted that the USMNT, despite some strong results so far, would struggle the moment they came up against a team that had more quality. However, Belgium had not shown that prior to the Round of 16 clash and were minutes away from going out against Senegal.

Now, just days after the miraculous turn around against the West African side, the mood in the Belgian campa and amongst the fans has changed dramatically. Perhaps they were inspired by the perceived injustice that FIFA had wrought on them, or perhaps that victory over Senegal was the catalyst. For Rudi Garcia, it is likely a combination of the two. Either way, the result was a resounding 4-1 victory as Belgium out classed the USA in all departments.

Belgium certainly had the majority of then neutrals on their side, and the players clearly felt that wit how they celebrated their goals, including a mimic of a dance performed by President Trump. There was talk of justice being served by FIFA in allowing Balogun to play, but in the end the real justice was done on the pitch by the Red Devils. Political interference is something FIFA has stamped out in many other nations, and it has been pointed out that they have shown hypocrisy with how this situation was handled.

Questions will now be raised as to whether FIFA has gotten away with it thanks to the result. However, the Belgian FA made it clear that, regardless of the result, they would not let this situation go without a challenge. For the good of the game and the integrity of the World Cup going forward and those still to come, the Belgian FA must be supported by the rest of football in holding FIFA to account for what happened.

Looking ahead, Belgium now face Spain in the quarterfinals. Clearly, the Spanish will be favourites, but has Garcia now found a recipe for success? The Frenchman has not been afraid to make big calls already, benching both Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku already. Spain have yet to concede at this tournament, so finding a way past that defence will be key for the Red Devils. Portugal struggled to muster much, but Belgium have Romelu Lukaku waiting on the bench. His impact as a substitute has been fantastic so far this tournament, and perhaps he will hold the key to unlocking Spain should the game still be level when he is introduced.

The two sides have met at this stage in a World Cup before. Back in 1986 the game ended 1-1, with Belgium winning on penalties. Belgium went on to play Argentina in the semi-finals, losing 2-0. Argentina went on to beat West Germany in the final, who had overcome France in their semi-final. Beating Spain could set up a clash with France in the semi-finals.

Given how the tournament started for Belgium, they have somehow made a success of things despite their struggles. It may not be enough for Garcia to keep his job, but he can at least argue that he was able to turn things around and take Belgium as far as many predicted they should be able to go.