Belgium’s emphatic 5-2 victory over the United States serves as a stark reality check for the World Cup co-hosts just 75 days before the tournament.

THE United States suffered a humbling 5-2 defeat to Belgium in a high-profile friendly on Saturday. The result delivered a significant reality check for co-hosts Mauricio Pochettino’s team ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

Weston McKennie gave the US an early lead, slotting home from an Antonee Robinson corner to delight a packed 67,000-strong crowd. The Americans were unable to build on their promising start against the world’s ninth-ranked side.

Belgium responded emphatically with five unanswered goals. Zeno Debast equalised with a superb strike just before half-time for his first international goal.

The floodgates opened after the break with Amadou Onana and Charles De Ketelaere adding quick goals. Substitute Dodi Lukebakio then scored a brace to complete the rout.

Patrick Agyemang grabbed a late consolation for the US, but thousands of home fans had already left the arena. The final whistle was met with subdued boos and whistles from the remaining supporters.

“I see this as a good check reality for us, because now is the moment to feel this type of situation, to improve,” said coach Mauricio Pochettino. He questioned a penalty decision that led to Belgium’s third goal, stating, “For me, it wasn’t a penalty.”

Star forward Christian Pulisic acknowledged the team’s shortcomings after the heavy loss. “It was a tough loss. It’s a very good team, but in a lot of ways, there’s things that we can do better,” he told AFP.

Pochettino suggested the painful defeat could ultimately benefit his squad’s preparation. “We were so happy against Uruguay, or against Paraguay. But to feel sometimes the pain is good,” he said, referencing recent friendly wins.

The US, who will play all their World Cup games on home soil, face another stern test against Portugal on Tuesday. Pochettino will name his final 23-man squad for the tournament in May.

 The Sun Malaysia