The US was not expected to make it to the knockout stage. They were not even expected to win a game in group play. However, they have surpassed all of that to reach this point in the World Cup. Belgium have not been overly impressive at this point in the tournament, but a loss here would be devastating given the original expectations on the team. This could be an intense matchup as both teams have plenty to prove.
Belgium is not healthy. Captain Vincent Kompany is uncertain for this matchup meaning the team might have lost their defensive anchor. Anthony Vanden Borre will be out the remainder of the tournament thanks to a broken ankle. Steven Defour is suspended. Thomas Vermaelen is also out. This could work to the US's advantage.
USA's defense will be key in this matchup. They must display discipline as the Belgium team has a fierce coring attack. The one time Belgium has struggled is when the defense is just too deep to break apart. It took them awhile to score against Algeria and also against Russle. If the USA can stay in their positions, they could get the first goal and be well on their way. The team also needs Michael Bradley to put on his best game. He has certainly been frustrating throughout the World Cup so far, looking both excellent and confused. He will be going up against Axel Witsel who intends to give him a headache all match.
The US will have to play their best game if they are going to get past Belgium. That all starts with health and the USMNT is fully healthy. They are getting back striker Jozy Altidore who went down in the World Cup opener against Ghana with a hamstring injury. He sat out the rest of the group play games. Coach Jurgen Klinsmann has noted that Altidore will play against Belgium, but likely will not be a starter. That remains to be seen.
The United States Men's Soccer Team and the Belgium National Team entered the World Cup on two very different paths. The US was not expected to do much. They were placed in Group G which earned the nickname, "Group of Death" considering the high talent level of the teams they would be playing. Belgium had great expectations placed upon their shoulders, expected to be contenders near the finals. The US beat the odds and now meets Belgium in the knockout stages with a large chip on their shoulders, just the way they like it.
