United States goalkeeper Matt Freese made a huge error in judgement, handing Belgium's Hans Vanaken the ball and leaving him with an easy finish. The costly mistake, which the BBC described as a 'total calamity,' gave Belgium a third goal and tight control of the round of 16 tie.
Freese's blunder was compounded by defender Tim Ream, who could have done more to stop the goal. It was errors all around as Belgium seized the momentum, turning a close contest into a commanding lead. The goal effectively decided the match, with Belgium now firmly in charge of the knockout stage encounter.
“USA goalkeeper Matt Freese gifts Belgium Hans Vanaken an easy goal, turning the round of 16 tie.”
Football fans will wonder how the USA can recover from such a self-inflicted blow. The team must now find a way to overcome both the deficit and the psychological impact of this gift to their opponents.