Courtois trolls the Americans: "Senegal are better than U.S."

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes his team silenced their doubters with an impressive 4-1 victory over the United States, claiming the Red Devils had been "shown a lack of respect" before their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash.

Speaking to Belgian outlet Sporza after the match, as quoted by The Athletic, Courtois said many in the United States underestimated Belgium and expected the hosts to progress comfortably.

"In recent days, we have been shown a lack of respect here in the U.S. It was said that they could beat us easily, but I think today we proved that we are a good team. We played a great match," Courtois said.

The veteran goalkeeper also addressed the discussion surrounding United States striker Folarin Balogun, who was cleared to play after FIFA overturned his one-match suspension ahead of the knockout tie. Courtois insisted the issue had little influence on Belgium's mindset and admitted he had been quietly confident before kick-off.

"Everything beforehand did not necessarily play a part. I read it and laughed about it. Today, if I'm honest, I felt a bit more certain that we would win than I did against Senegal. They were a stronger team than the U.S., and that showed today as well," he added.

Belgium produced one of their best performances of the tournament to book a place in the quarter-finals with a convincing win at Seattle Stadium. Charles De Ketelaere led the way with two goals to claim the Player of the Match award, while Hans Vanaken opened his World Cup account. Romelu Lukaku completed the scoring deep into stoppage time, finding the net for the third consecutive World Cup fixture.

Although the United States briefly restored parity through Malik Tillman's deflected free-kick, Belgium quickly regained control. A costly mistake from goalkeeper Matt Freese gifted the visitors another goal before Lukaku put the result beyond doubt in the closing moments.

Howler, heartbreak and reality check as Belgium dump USA out of World Cup

The defeat brought an end to the United States' World Cup journey, making them the last of the three host nations to be eliminated after Canada and Mexico had already exited the competition.

Belgium will now prepare for a blockbuster quarter-final against Spain on July 10 after La Roja ended Portugal's campaign in the Round of 16.