World Cup 2014: USA vs Belgium Preview — VIDEO
Jun 28, 2014; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; USA goalkeeper Tim Howard speaks to the media prior to team training at Sao Paulo FC. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsThe United States Men’s National Soccer Team will have a terrific opportunity to make the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 12 years when they take on Belgium on Tuesday. Belgium themselves, have not reached the quarterfinals since 1986.
While not the most gifted team of recent years, particularly without the goal scoring Landon Donavan, but they are a well-coached squad and they are carrying a lot of momentum into Tuesday’s match.
Team USA goalkeeper Tim Howard told “CBS This Morning” that even though Belgium recently beat the U.S. 4-2 in a friendly and is “one of the up-and-coming superstar powers in Europe,” he feels his team can “match up well against them.”
Howard’s coach, Jurgen Klinsmann, has been preaching to his team to keep that fighting spirit going.
"“Don’t be content,” Klinsmann said. “Nobody can claim that he reached his 100 percent yet.”"
That was after the Americans played three grueling games in the Amazon jungle and Brazil’s tropical northeast coast. The U.S. finished ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Ghana, taking second place in Group G behind Germany. Tuesday’s winner will face Argentina or Switzerland in Brasilia on July 5th.
Who To Watch For
Clint Dempsey is the talismanic figure up front for America and has scored twice in the tournament so far. The Seattle Sounders man isn’t usually a striker but has played on his own under Klinsmann in the absence of more attackers.
American supporters should watch out for Eden Hazard for Belgium. The forward lit up the Premier League at Chelsea over the last year and poses a serious threat with his direct dribbling and intelligence on the ball.
The USA central midfield pairing of Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones proved formidable in Germany and work hard, while Tim Howard has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in Europe over the last five years.
Striker Jozy Altidore, meanwhile, ran a little at training on Friday as he continued his recovery from the hamstring injury he suffered in the first half of the opening game, a 2-1 win over Ghana.
"“We are very optimistic,” said coach Jürgen Klinsmann, when asked if Altidore would be fit to face the Belgians. “Every day is a big step forward with Jozy. It’s 11 days now [since the Ghana game], and its looking better every day.”"
Belgium’s path to their matchup with the U.S.
Wilmots guided his team to three wins out of three in Group H – even though they weren’t at their best.
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The Belgians have a host of talent who play in the English Premier League, including Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham) and Vincent Kompany (Manchester City).
They beat Algeria 2-1 thanks to goals by Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United) and Dries Mertens (Napoli) before a late winner by teenager Divock Origi (Lille) crushed Russia.
The group winners were already through by the time Vertonghen scored the only goal against South Korea.
Team USA: Playing For Their Country
With support reaching fever pitch back at home, American players realize the increased attention that comes with each match is an opportunity not to be missed to promote the sport in the U.S.
"“We want to obviously do well for ourselves, for our country, but it’s a big step for the growth of soccer if we get past Belgium,” defender DaMarcus Beasley said."
Keys To A United States Victory
Getting past Belgium will be no easy task. So far they have conceded only one goal – a penalty at that – in three games. Furthermore, Thibaut Courtois it has arguably the most exciting young goalkeeper in the world.>
“We relish the role of underdog. It keeps us hungry. It allows us to not be complacent.”- U.S. Goalkeeper, Tim Howard
Belgium team captain, Vincent Kompany played excellent in the two matches he suited up for, however he has been battling a reoccurring groin injury. Another starter, Thomas Vermaelen, has a hamstring injury and whether he can play or not will be another last-minute decision. Compile that with the cracked fibula of right back Anthony Vanden Borre and an abductors strain for Laurent Ciman, and Belgium coach Marc Wilmots could be in trouble.
Considering the injuries on both sides and the fact that the U.S. offense has often been anemic, don’t bet on much of a goal-fest.
Fifa’s official group-stage statistics, released on Friday, placed the USA 31st out of 32 teams in terms of the number of attacks they mounted, with 72 – Costa Rica were the only team to attack less often, with 69. Klinsmann’s team, who have been outshot by opponents 54-27, had 41% of possession against Ghana, 48% against Portugal and 37% against Germany.
The U.S. hasn’t played Belgium in the World Cup since winning 3-0 in its opening match of the very first tournament in 1930.
Tune into USA vs Belgium — Tue, Jul 1, 4:00 PM on ESPN • Round of 16, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador