SOCCER: Pochettino says US 'not good enough' in World Cup exit

SEATTLE — United States coach Mauricio Pochettino said his team failed to play to its potential in a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Monday, ending the host nation's tournament run.

Backed by a passionate home crowd in Seattle and coming off strong performances in the group stage and Round of 32, the United States entered the knockout match believing it could upset Belgium. Instead, the Americans delivered their least convincing performance of the tournament as Belgium capitalized on its chances.

"We didn't show our real quality as a team," Pochettino said after the match. "We never connected with the game. Belgium were better than us, and that's it."

He described the defeat as a collective failure.

"It was a very bad day. It wasn't our day, collectively or individually. In a tournament like the World Cup, when that happens in a knockout stage, you are out and you need to go home," he said.

The United States briefly drew level when Malik Tillman scored to make it 1-1, but Belgium quickly restored its advantage, leaving Pochettino disappointed with his team's response.

"Even when we scored, in the next action we conceded," he said. "Normally you cannot concede in that moment."

Pochettino dismissed suggestions that off-field controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's availability affected the team's performance, insisting the United States simply fell short.

"We were not good enough today. We don't need to find excuses," he said. "All that was happening around was around, but it wasn't a situation that affected us."

With his contract set to expire after the World Cup, Pochettino said no decision has been made regarding his future with the national team.

"Now is a moment to rest a little bit, to think, to have conversations and then see what the decision is from the federation and from us," he said.

Despite the disappointing exit, Pochettino said he remains proud of the progress the United States has made over the past year and believes the team has established a strong foundation for the future.

"We need to keep improving," he said. "But I am proud. I think we settled the principles for the future." -Reporting by Rory CarrollEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters