BELGIUM vs. UNITED STATES
SAO PAULO, Brazil – The United States’ next World Cup challenge will be against a team that won all of its group matches, hasn’t given up a goal in the run of play and has proved to have a deep bench.
The stakes are high, but still expect the United States to show a more attacking game against Belgium after lacking bite so far in the tournament. The Americans only managed the second-lowest number of attacks out of the 32 teams during the group stage, with just 72.
Speaking after the U.S. lost 1-0 to Germany, U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said: “We will work … to shift our entire game up forward. So that will put more pressure on the opponents and create more chances.”
The good news on the injury front for the U.S. is that forward Jozy Altidore is available after straining his left hamstring in the team’s opener against Ghana on June 16. He didn’t play the next two group games but should be available to start on the bench on Tuesday.
Belgium’s main threat will come from the creative skills of playmaker Eden Hazard, who provided two decisive assists in group stage victories over Russia and Algeria.
Belgium’s strikers have so far failed to deliver at the tournament, but the defense has been solid. The question mark at the back, though, is whether captain and central defender Vincent Kompany will be fully fit after a recurring groin strain. He did train on Monday, but could still be a doubtful starter for the match.
The Belgium team, however, has been far from perfect and has shown some cracks as it prepares to meet the Americans in a Round of 16 match at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador on Tuesday.
Still, the USA is taking nothing for granted as it tries to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since Korea / Japan 2002.
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