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.