The United States of America managed to emerge from the ‘Group of Death’ alive and will be facing World Cup dark horses Belgium in the final match of the Round of 16.
While Belgium won all three of their group matches, they were only by one-goal margins and the Europeans are yet to set the tournament alight despite their array of young talented individuals. While they have impressed defensively with just one goal conceded- a penalty against Algeria- they have struggled in front of goal. Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku (on loan at Everton) has been absent upfront while star playmaker Eden Hazard has been largely inconsistent. After the late 2-1 win against Algeria in their opening match, the Red Devils scored an 88th minute goal to give them the 1-0 win against Russia that confirmed advancement into the Round of 16. Their most impressive performance yet is probably the 1-0 win over South Korea which was achieved despite been reduced to 10 men in the first half. The final match showed that the Belgians are well organized and Coach Marc Wilmots has options on the bench if things are not going his way.
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The USMNT made a winning start to life in Group G by beating Ghana 2-1 in their curtain-raiser. This was to be a crucial result in their bid for qualification as they eventually qualified ahead of Portugal courtesy of a better goal difference. A last gasp goal from the Portuguese ensured a 2-2 draw in their next match before a narrow 1-0 loss to Germany ensured that they advanced to the Round of 16. Much will be expected of lone striker Clint Dempsey and attacking midfielder Michael Bradley, who is yet to have the tournament many were expecting of him.
The history book read ominous signs for the Americans as they have lost the last four matches between the two sides, the most recent being a friendly played in May last year when the Belgians ran out 4-2 winners.
TEAM NEWS
For Belgium, there are still question marks about the fitness of Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany but the Team Captain should play on Tuesday while fellow defender Anthony Vanden Borre will most likely miss out with an ankle injury.
Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore has recovered from his injury and could feature in some capacity as he continues to gain match fitness. Coach Jurgen Klinsmann is likely to stick with Dempsey up front while keeping the option of bringing on Altidore as an impact sub.
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Probable Lineups
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Vertonghen, Kompany, Van Buyten, Alderweireld; Witsel, Fellaini; Hazard, De Bruyne, Mirallas; Lukaku
United States (4-2-3-1): Howard; Beasley, Besler, Cameron, Johnson; Jones, Beckerman; Zusi, Bradley, Bedoya; Dempsey
PREDICTION
Both teams have played well defensively in the tournament so far but are yet to convince with their attacking play. However, Belgium have more in terms of quality off the bench as they have already shown in the tournament and a sub or two could swing this in favour of the Belgians.
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