USA coach Pochettino kicks water bottles as team trails Belgium 2-1 at halftime

The United States trailed Belgium 2-1 at the break in their World Cup round-of-16 match in Seattle. Belgium opened the scoring in the 9th minute when Charles De Ketelaere finished a pass in front of goalkeeper Matt Freese. The United States equalised in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman converted a free kick that deflected off a Belgian defender and beat keeper Thibaut Courtois. Two minutes later De Ketelaere restored Belgium's lead with a header over defender Tim Ream.

After the second goal, USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino walked to the bench and kicked the Powerade bottles placed on the sideline, an act that was reported as a sign of his displeasure. Statistics at halftime showed Belgium holding 53% possession, five shots on target and four big chances, while the United States had 47% possession, one shot on target and fewer clear opportunities.

The United States will need to improve its overall play in the second half to advance to the quarterfinals, where a win would set up a potential match against Spain and give the team its best chance to reach the knockout stage since 2002.