The U.S.A. managed to stay alive in the dreaded “Group of Death,” Group G in order to advance to the last 16 of the World Cup. The Americans’ prize for their accomplishment is a meeting with World Cup sleeper Belgium, who somehow swept through the group stage despite some unconvincing performances.
Belgium will look to keep their perfect World Cup record alive, just like Argentina, who face off with Switzerland in the last 16. Read our preview of that match here, and read on to learn more on the Yanks’ chances of advancing.
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Belgium vs. USA, World Cup 2014, Round of 16 Betting Preview and Prediction
It’s tough to determine if Belgium have actually lived up to the pre-tournament hype surrounding their undoubtedly talented team. On one hand, they’re one of just four countries – the Netherlands, Argentina and Colombia the other three – to sweep through the group stage. However, they did it in the most unconvincing way possible; all three of their wins were by a single goal.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Their backline has certainly impressed thus far. Goalie Thibaut Courtouis has conceded just one goal – an Algeria penalty – which is tied with Mexico and Costa Rica for the best defensive record. Their attack, however, has been less than impressive. Star striker Romelu Lukaku has been a non-factor throughout the tournament, while main playmaker Eden Hazard has been inconsistent.
Despite Belgium’s struggles, the matchup with the U.S. should be very advantageous for them. Belgium has an army of wingers to call upon against an American team that has struggled to defend crosses coming from the wings. And although Lukaku is out of form, Belgium has one of the best headers of the ball in Marouane Fellaini as a target all game long.
Defenders Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen are likely to be available for selection against the U.S. after injury scares, which should strengthen an already imposing defense.
If the U.S.A. have shown anything in this World Cup, it’s that they will give it their all. They battled through injuries to beat Ghana, 2-1, thanks to a late game-winner. They came from behind against Portugal, only to agonizingly concede an equalizer in the final seconds. And in their final group game, they held the powerful Germans to a single goal in a narrow defeat.
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann has done very well in constructing a highly-organized and united team that has proven tough to break down. Midfielders Kyle Beckerman and Jermaine Jones in particular have done an admirable job helping out their back four in defending, which the Americans have done a lot of in this tournament.
Expect the U.S. to do some more defending against Belgium. Fullbacks Fabian Johnson and DaMarcus Beasley will have the important jobs of keeping Belgium’s speedy wingers quiet, while whoever between Geoff Cameron and Omar Gonzalez starts in central defense must win every aerial challenge against Belgium’s tall forwards.
But as has been the case for the entire tournament, the main issue for the U.S. will be the attack. The Americans couldn’t even muster a single shot on target against Germany for the entire match. Due in large part to the loss of striker Jozy Altidore, they haven’t been able to keep the ball well enough, which has allowed their opposition to bear down on their defense.
Michael Bradley hasn’t had the tournament many were expecting from him, and has offered little in support of lone striker Clint Dempsey. The U.S. will need a better performance from their star midfielder, or they will have another long night of defending on their hands against Belgium.
Writer’s Prediction
Because of both teams’ suspect offenses and lockdown defenses, this tie will likely be decided after more than 90 minutes. Take Belgium and the U.S.A. to play to a draw.
