Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin believes “justice was served” after his side produced a dominant display to eliminate the United States from the World Cup.
The Rangers star spoke passionately after Belgium’s convincing 4-1 victory, insisting the result was the perfect response following the controversy surrounding USA striker Folarin Balogun’s eligibility.
Controversy Before Kick-Off
The build-up to the last-16 clash was overshadowed by debate over Balogun’s availability.
The USA forward was allowed to feature despite widespread controversy surrounding a previous disciplinary decision, prompting criticism from Belgian football officials and sparking debate throughout the tournament.
Belgium entered the match determined to let their football do the talking.
Belgium Produce the Perfect Response
Rudi Garcia’s side responded in emphatic fashion.
Belgium outclassed the hosts with a commanding 4-1 victory, booking their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Raskin played a key role in the win, producing an assist for Charles De Ketelaere as Belgium controlled the contest from start to finish.
Raskin: “There Is Always Justice”
Speaking after the match, the Rangers midfielder admitted the controversy had provided extra motivation for the Belgian squad.
“I think there is always a justice somewhere in life and the fact that something can happen like that, you can put back it all you want, but we don’t think that was fair.”
He added that Belgium’s focus never changed despite the off-field drama.
“Today, I think it just brings us a little bit of luck. We needed to win the game and that was the message throughout.”
“It Motivated the Group”
Raskin also revealed the incident helped unite the Belgium dressing room before one of their biggest matches of the tournament.
“Yes, of course that motivated the group. We operate on the principle that there is always justice in life in one way or another.”
The midfielder ended with another pointed message.
“When you try to force something special, it always comes back to hit you in the face like a boomerang at some point.”
Belgium March On
The victory sends Belgium into the quarter-finals with confidence growing after one of their most complete performances of the tournament.
For Raskin, it was more than just a place in the last eight—it was a result he believes settled one of the World Cup’s biggest controversies.
The Bottom Line
Belgium let their football do the talking as they swept aside the USA to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
After weeks of controversy, Nicolas Raskin believes the best possible response came on the pitch, insisting “justice was served” as Belgium ended the Americans’ World Cup dream.
