United States goalkeeper Matt Freese produced a catastrophic error in judgement during their round of 16 clash with Belgium, handing Hans Vanaken the ball in what commentators called a moment of total calamity.

Freese's blunder left Vanaken with a straightforward finish, and the situation was made worse by defender Tim Ream, who failed to do enough to prevent the goal from going in.

The mistake gave Belgium their third goal of the match and allowed them to seize firm control of the knockout tie, putting the United States under serious pressure to stage a comeback.

With errors compounding on both the goalkeeper and the outfield defender, Belgium capitalised ruthlessly to extend their advantage and make the path back for the United States an increasingly difficult one.