<YONHAP PHOTO-0399> Belgium's forward Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring during the first half of extra-time in the Round of 16 football match between Belgium and USA at Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on July 1, 2014. AFP PHOTO/ FRANCISCO LEONG../2014-07-02 07:19:38/ <저작권자 ⓒ 1980-2014 ㈜연합뉴스. 무단 전재 재배포 금지.>
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates his goal on Tuesday.   AFP-Yonhap
<YONHAP PHOTO-0399> Belgium's forward Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring during the first half of extra-time in the Round of 16 football match between Belgium and USA at Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on July 1, 2014. AFP PHOTO/ FRANCISCO LEONG../2014-07-02 07:19:38/ <저작권자 ⓒ 1980-2014 ㈜연합뉴스. 무단 전재 재배포 금지.> Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates his goal on Tuesday. AFP-Yonhap

SALVADOR, Brazil (AP) ― Romelu Lukaku had a point to prove at the World Cup. After Belgium missed countless chances during the 90 minutes of regulation time in the match against the U.S. on Tuesday, the striker came off the bench and soon set up the opening goal for Kevin De Bruyne.

As the U.S. pressed for an equalizer, De Bruyne swiftly returned the favor to Lukaku, who made it 2-0. Despite scoring key goals in cup qualifying, Lukaku had a disappointing start in the group matches and was dropped from the starting lineup.

“The media tried to take Romelu down after the first round, but I was convinced that he would still be able to make the difference at this World Cup,” Belgian coach Marc Wilmots said.