The open and highly entertaining game ended 2-1 to the Europeans as Jurgen Klinsmann’s charges bowed out with pride after a hard fought contest.
Kevin De Bruyne and Lukaku’s goals were followed by Julian Green’s for the USA, but it turned out too little too late for the USMNT.
Once again extra time was called upon, but the two goals in quick succession seemed to have won the game for Belgium. The US had other ideas, pulling a goal back and putting Belgium under tremendous pressure for the final ten minutes, but they held out to progress to the next round.
The last quarter final game proved to be far more evenly matched than anticipated, and unbridled attacking intent from the sides ensured a game that flowed nonstop from end to end in a thrilling manner.
Belgium was slightly the better side in the first half, but their profligacy kept the United States in the game, giving them the opportunity to miss some chances of their own.
Under a minute a long ball split the US defence, sending youngster Onigi free in the box but Tim Howard pulled a stunning save.
USA responded down the other end, Damarcus Beasley going on a run, but his cross just found the wrong side of the net.
There were wide gaps in the USA defence that Belgium exploited wonderfully with through balls, but finishing let them down time and time again.
De Bruyne got in behind the US defence, but despite being 1-on-1 with Tim Howard skewed his shot wide. Eden Hazard tried his luck from distance, but Tim Howard was equal to the task.
The Stars and Stripes were not to be left behind, Jermain Jones had a shot nicely set for him in the 33rd minute but he sent it wide.
Tim Howard was instrumental keeping his team level by half time, but his role became ever more crucial as the second half wore on and Belgium overwhelmed the United States defence.
The see-saw action of the first half was completely upturned as Belgium took complete control of the second period.
The US surprisingly withstood the Belgian siege extremely well, with last ditch clearances and world class keeping from Tim Howard.
Centre forward Origi was the worst culprit, getting into great positions but hitting straight at Howard almost every time. In the 58th minute, Alderweireld sent in a great cross, and Origi’s header had Howard beat but struck the bar! Six minutes from time, he hit a superb volley on the turn, but Howard once again was alert, tipping the ball straight over the top.
Howard stood firm, ending the game with a record fifteen saves as he single-handedly defied the Belgian onslaught. Edin Hazard, Vincent Kompany, and Jan Vertoghen all finding Howard an immovable object in the U.S goal.
The game entered stoppage time, and with Belgium having thrown everything and not gotten a result, there were almost dumped out at the stroke of full time, Borowski somehow contriving to miss after a knock down found him unmarked with Courtois at his mercy, but he skied his shot horribly wide.
If the 90 minutes of the game were breathtaking, the 30 minutes of extra time was simply sublime. Belgian manager Marc Wilmots brought on Romelu Lukaku at the start of extra time, and it was simply an inspired substitution. The big Belgian changed the game, serving as a focal point for the Belgian attack and bringing more refined finishing ability.
And just three minutes into extra time Belgium scored, Lukaku setting up Kevin de Bruyne as Howard was finally beaten; Lukaku’s strength in shrugging off the challenge of Besler during the build-up to the goal was simply impressive
De Bruyne returned the favour for his team mate minutes later, as his run and pass set up the Chelsea forward, who blasted a shot into the net past Tim Howard. The game looked won for Belgium until the start of the second period of extra time.
A minute in and the USA pulled a goal back. Michael Bradley lifted a crafty pass over the Belgian defence; substitute Green in just the right place to volley over Courtois.
The goal heralded an unlikely transformation, as USA pushed incessantly for the equaliser. Belgium had to withstand a siege reminiscent of what they put the US through in the second half, but Belgium stood their ground admirably.
The US came close several times, a well worked free-kick which found its way to Dempsey their best chance, but Courtois was on hand to make an impressive stop, keeping the lead intact as the US pressed and pressed.
Lukaku was not done, fashioning a chance out of sheer skill and power in the 110th, but Howard as he had been all night, saved the final shot.
In the end, Belgium picked up the 2-1 victory in a hugely entertaining game for neutrals, setting up a mouth-watering tie against Argentina in the quarter finals.