Rudi Garcia hails Belgium's 'commanding performance' after USA World Cup rout

Balogun was cleared to play in the FIFA World Cup last-16 tie after FIFA's independent disciplinary committee overturned the one-match suspension he had received following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Instead, the striker was handed a probationary suspension and returned to the starting line-up.

Belgium, however, controlled the contest and advanced comfortably to the quarter-finals, with Garcia believing his team's tactical approach was the key factor rather than Balogun's inclusion.

After the final whistle, Balogun approached Garcia, a gesture the Belgium coach appreciated.

"He came to talk to me, and I really liked it," Garcia said. "It is not his fault. He is not to blame. I appreciated the gesture, and I appreciate the player. I had no doubt that Nathan Ngoy and Brandon Mechele could handle their attack."

Garcia said Belgium's aggressive pressing was central to the victory.

"We wanted to play higher up," he said. "We scored the first goal from winning the ball high up the pitch, and the same happened with the third goal. We played with control, determination and commitment. It was a great night for us."

Charles De Ketelaere justified Garcia's decision to use him as a makeshift striker by scoring twice, while Hans Vanaken marked his introduction from the bench with a goal to become Belgium's oldest scorer in a World Cup knockout match at the age of 33.

Vanaken replaced the injured Amadou Onana during the first half, despite Kevin De Bruyne remaining on the bench, while Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku was also left out of the starting line-up.

Garcia said those selection decisions were based on what the match required.

"We did not need Kevin to play because we were scoring goals," he said. "When Onana got injured, we needed Hans. We needed his strength in the air, and I am delighted that, at his age, he scored a goal at the World Cup."

Garcia also confirmed that Onana is expected to miss the remainder of the tournament through injury.

Belgium will now face Spain on Friday in the quarter-finals, with a place in the last four at stake.