Mauricio Pochettino showed his emotions early Monday night.
Following Belgium’s second goal of the Round of 16 World Cup matchup, the U.S. men’s national team coach was visibly frustrated, kicking a set of Powerade bottles near the bench as his opponent took the lead yet again.
The crowd in Seattle and fans watching from home could only relate to the moment that has gone viral on social media.
After Folarin Balogun drew a foul to warrant a free kick for the stars and stripes, Malik Tillman took advantage of the opportunity and whipped the ball into the back of the net to even the score at 1-1 in the 31st minute.
The offensive spark and momentum were brief.
Just two minutes later, Charles De Ketelaere was able to jump up higher than Tim Ream to put a header past U.S. goalie Matt Freese.
The moment was a gut punch to the U.S., which is seemingly getting in its own way on defense and lacked fight in the first half of the elimination match.
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It proved to be a tipping point for Pochettino.
In each of their previous matches throughout the World Cup, the Americans scored the opening goal.
That streak ended on Monday night.
The Americans got off to a shaky start with Belgium dominating possession en route to a goal in the ninth minute.
Following a beautiful pass across the goal, De Ketelaere stuck out his foot to have the first say against the U.S.
It’s safe to say the feel-good energy American fans have been feeling throughout the last few weeks has been sucked out a great deal.
Pochettino and the players have a lot of pressure on them to deliver, as the USMNT has not made it past the Round of 16 since the 2002 World Cup.
Additionally, they’re out for revenge after their Round of 16 loss to Belgium in the 2014 World Cup, which also stopped their run too early for their liking.
However, there is time on the U.S. side as they head into the second half down 2-1.
