Belgium demolish USA, Martinez crashes out with Portugal, and Trump leans on FIFA: Day 3 roundup

The third day of the World Cup round of 16 served up controversy, heavy scorelines, and dramatic elimination. Belgium, under Rudi Garcia, steamrolled the United States 4–1 to book a quarterfinal spot. But all eyes were on the pre-match drama: Folarin Balogun’s red card against Bosnia was overturned by FIFA after apparent pressure from the Trump administration. Balogun had been set to miss the Belgium clash after his sending off, but FIFA found a loophole in the rulebook and rescinded the ban. Trump wasted no time taking credit: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and correcting a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.” Belgium tried to appeal but got nowhere. So they decided to settle scores on the pitch – two goals in each half sealed a comfortable win. Meanwhile, Spain sent Portugal packing. Roberto Martinez once again failed to deliver with a star‑studded squad. The Portuguese midfield is arguably the strongest in the tournament, but they couldn’t make it count. Martinez had talked up numerology before the tournament: “I believe in numerology. I think the number six can bring us luck. In 2016 Portugal won the European Championship, in 1966 they had their best World Cup result, and in 2006 they reached the semifinals.” On July 6, with six minutes of stoppage time added, Portugal conceded to a player wearing the number six – Mikel Merino. Irony at its finest. Martinez also opted not to bring on Gonçalo Ramos, even though Ramos scored the winner in the previous playoff round. He didn’t get a single minute against Spain. Meanwhile, the Belgium team he used to coach sent him a rather pointed greeting with their performance. Charles De Ketelaere was the hero of the day. Garcia kept faith in him ahead of Romelu Lukaku, and the young forward repaid that trust with a first‑half brace. The best goal came from Merino, courtesy of a pinpoint pass from Torres, while the best save belonged to Diogo Costa, who first denied Lamine Yamal and then tipped over a curling effort from Álex Baena. The moment of the day? The classic “Cancel that.” Football never disappoints.