What happened: A defensive error by Matt Freese allowed Belgium to score and extend their advantage to 3-1. The misplay in goal gifted the opposition a crucial insurance tally during the elimination matchup.
Why it matters: The miscue puts the host nation in a significant hole on home soil. A two-goal margin late in the match drastically reduces the chances of a comeback.
By the numbers: The defense yielded 11 shots in the first half, compared to just 10 total shots allowed across the first halves of their previous tournament matches against Turkiye, Paraguay, and Australia.
What to watch: The trailing squad must immediately press forward and find multiple goals before the final whistle to avoid elimination.