U.S. Pummeled

Americans Humbled After Belgium Thrashing

The United States men's national team suffered a sobering 5-2 defeat to Belgium on Saturday in Atlanta, a result that raised serious questions about American readiness just 76 days before their World Cup opener.

Weston McKennie gave the hosts a dream start, netting his 12th international goal in the 39th minute by volleying Antonee Robinson's corner kick past keeper Senne Lammens. It was his first international strike in three years. The lead proved short-lived. Defender Zeno Debast equalized just before halftime with a stunning long-range effort, and Belgium never looked back.

The second half turned into a nightmare. Amadou Onana put the Red Devils ahead in the 53rd minute, and Charles De Ketelaere converted a penalty in the 59th after U.S. captain Tim Ream was whistled for a handball. Substitute Dodi Lukebakio then twisted the knife, scoring twice in 14 minutes from distance to make it 5-1 before Patrick Agyemang pulled one back late for the Americans.

Matt Turner, making his first appearance since last summer, endured a rough return between the posts. The defense as a whole crumbled repeatedly under Belgian pressure, and Christian Pulisic, the face of the U.S. program, squandered three clear chances to change the game's complexion.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino tried to keep perspective afterward. "Of course, 5-2 is always difficult to accept. It's painful," he said, adding that feeling that pain might ultimately be valuable.

The result snapped a five-game American unbeaten streak and extended Belgium's winning run against the U.S. to six straight. The last American victory over the Red Devils came at the very first World Cup in 1930. Tuesday brings another stiff test: fifth-ranked Portugal at the same venue.