2014 WORLD CUP SOCCER

BELGIUM

vs. UNITED STATES

Line:
Belgium Even, United States +260, Tie after Regulation +260
Over/Under: 2.5 Goals (Over +120, Under -149)

After surviving group play, the United States opens single-elimination play in the World Cup when they take on a banged-up Belgium squad on Tuesday.

Belgium has won all three of its matches so far, with all victories coming by one goal. They edged Algeria 2-1 and posted back-to-back, 1-0 shutout wins over Russia and South Korea. But these wins came with a price, as several of their key players were hurting as their country seeks their first quarterfinal berth since 1986. Team captain, defender Vincent Kompany, has been bothered by a strained groin and is doubtful to play on Tuesday. Also, Thomas Vermaelen is questionable with an injured hamstring, while right back Anthony Vanden Borre (cracked fibula) and Laurent Ciman (strained abductor) are not expected to suit up. The Americans scored two goals in each of their first two games, but played very conservative with a five-midfielder formation in a 1-0 loss against Germany that still sent them through to this round. Starting striker Jozy Altidore is doubtful to play for the United States because of a left hamstring injury suffered in the World Cup opener versus Ghana. These countries last met in the World Cup back in 1930, a 3-0 U.S. victory, but in the most recent friendly between these teams in 2013, Belgium prevailed 4-2.

Belgium has a pedestrian four goals in three World Cup matches, with the first three of those coming from substitute players (midfielders Marouane Fellaini, Dries Mertens and forward Divock Origi). Starting defender Jan Vertonghen recorded the lone tally versus South Korea at the 78th minute to give his team its third straight win in the tournament. Belgium fired 16 total shots (11 on goal) in that victory, giving them 43 total shots (28 on goal) for the tournament so far. The Red Devils held a possession advantage in each of their first two games, with 65% possession versus Algeria and 53% against Russia, but possessed the ball for only 49% of the time in their most recent match. But they have also been extremely dangerous with their challenges with 45 fouls and four yellow cards issued to midfielders Moussa Dembele and Axel Witsel, and defensemen Toby Alderweireld and Vertonghen. But Belgium's defense remains top-notch, with the only goal allowed this tournament coming off a penalty kick as the result of Vertonghen's silly decision to grab his opponent by the arm in the box. Red Devils goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is one of the better netminders in the world.

The Americans have been led by forward Clint Dempsey, who scored a goal in the first 30 seconds of the tournament opener, broke his nose later that game, and also scored at the 81st minute in the second match against Portugal with what looked to be the game-winner at the time. John Brooks Jr. and Jermaine Jones have the club's other two goals in the World Cup. USA has been outshot twofold in this tournament by a combined total of 54-27, including 26-18 in terms of shots on goal, with the Americans producing just four total shots (1 on goal) against the Germans. USA has generated 11 corner kicks compared to 14 for their opponents in World Cup play. The Americans have also lost the time of possession in all three matches, holding the ball for only 37% of the time versus Germany, 40% of the time against Ghana and 48% of the time versus Portugal. But the United States has been whistled for only 38 fouls (15 in the Germany loss) and four offsides in the World Cup. Their only booked players were Jones picking up a yellow card versus Portugal, and defender Omar Gonzalez and midfielder Kyle Beckerman getting carded against the Germans. But the U.S. has to be confident in the play of goalie Tim Howard, who has made some brilliant saves this tournament, especially versus Portugal, and he also stood tall with eight saves in the loss to Germany.