Jon Nelson's World Cup Musings: And so it goes. How did the U.S. team fall?

U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino reminded anyone attached to the USMNT that every match in the knockout stage is a final. He wasn’t wrong. It’s win-or-go-home time for as long as you end up on top in these situations. 

The clock struck midnight for the USMNT in their Round of 16 match with Belgium in Seattle, 4-1. The raucous crowd was put on their heels in the 9th minute as striker Charles De Ketelaere went unmarked inside the 6-yard box. The slam dunk went into practically an empty U.S. net for an early 1-0 lead — the first time in the tournament the Stars and Stripes trailed in this World Cup. 

Then, you had a piece of magic from the quietest player in the bunch: Malik Tillman. 

Thanks to our friends at Telemundo: 

With the crowd back in the match, the last thing you could do is give up the next goal. But you did, and it was done too quickly. De Ketelaere beatstwo defenders to the ball and the margin went back to 2-1 — followed up early in the second half by a gaffe at the worst possible time. U.S. keeper Matt Freese was outside his 18-yard box trying to chase down and control a ball he could get to first and before a Belgian attacker.  

The first touch was controlled. The second touch was never really made as Freese double-clutched and hit the surface with his cleat instead of the ball. His pass went the sum total of 10 yards straight ahead before it was intercepted and rocketed past him and the U.S. defenders from 40 yards away from net.  

3-1 in the 57th minute and a goal north of 90 minutes by Romelu Lukaku put the final margin on the match. 

The result, perhaps, reminded us of a few things. One: The USMNT is a team that should be ranked somewhere between No. 9 and 16 on the planet right now. Two: Coach Pochettino admitted that he’s going to take some time before taking his next step — whatever that is, either staying or pursuing another gig entirely. Three: The future is bright on multiple fronts. Now, it’s up to the USMNT to figure out how to grow from here. 

In the matinee in Dallas, a goal at 90+1 from Mikel Merino gave Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal to send Cristiano Ronaldo into the World Cup soccer-playing sunset at the age of 41. Here’s your highlights, thanks again to Telemundo: 

Spain and Belgium now play in the quarterfinals to see who drops into Atlanta Stadium in a little over a week’s time. 

Later today, Argentina visits Egypt in one of the Round of 16 matches left on the table — straight up high noon. After that match goes final, Switzerland and Colombia square off at 4 p.m. Eastern time in Vancouver. Those two winners make up the rest of the field going forward. 

One other note from the Portugal-Spain match: Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez said he was stepping down from his post as well. So, that makes Modric, Neymar, Memo Ochoa, and El Tri head coach Javier Aguirre heading off into the sunset. 

Makes me wonder who may be next. 

Play it safe, everyone... I’ll talk to you soon!