World Cup: Pochettino kicks water bottles as US trails Belgium 2-1 at half
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The USA team did not get off to a good start in the first half against Belgium in the round of 16, and head coach Mauricio Pochettino was rightfully disappointed.
Belgium delivered a shock to the US system not even 10 minutes into the match when Charles De Ketelaere hit the ball just in front of Matt Freese’s goal, sending a quiet murmur to the sold-out crowd at Seattle Stadium.
However, things returned to normal when Malik Tillman, who scored a free kick goal in the second half against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 32nd Round, scored the same goal again. Thanks to a shot from one of the Belgian defenders, Tillman passed over the legendary Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
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Mauricio Pochettino, United States Coach, during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between the USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, United States. (Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos)
That was in the 31st minute, but Pochettino’s display of frustration came after the USA conceded a second goal just two minutes later.
Once again it was De Ketelaere, this time he jumped over experienced defender Tim Ream and used his head to slot the ball into the net.
THANKS TO TRUMP, A RESTED USA TEAM HAS THE HIGHEST DOMINANCE EVER OVER BELGIUM IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP
As Belgium celebrated, Pochettino walked towards the bench and expressed his displeasure at what he saw on the field, using his right shoe towards the Powerade bottles on the ground.
This was one such period for Team USA as they entered halftime with a lot to be overcome before the second half began.
Mauricio Pochettino is the USA Manager/Head Coach during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, United States. (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA)
Although possession was relatively close (Belgium had 53% to the USMNT’s 47%) it was clear that the Belgians had the advantage on the offensive end. They finished the half with five shots on goal and only one shot from the USA. They also created four big chances, meaning this match could be much further away for the USA than the scoreboard currently shows.
The USMNT will need better play if they want to advance to the quarterfinals, face Spain and keep their World Cup title dreams alive. If they can do this, they will become the second team in US history to do this; Because only the 2002 squad could reach the quarter-finals in this modern FIFA World Cup format.
Mauricio Pochettino is the USA Manager/Head Coach during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, United States. (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA)
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Pochettino could create more frustration in the dressing room but it’s clear the manager may need to be smart as Belgium held the momentum after the first 45 minutes.
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