Belgium 0 : 0 USA
Belgium 2: 1 USA (aet)
The final game in the first round of knockouts aiming for the last place in the last eight if the World Cup.
USA started slowly in the game and Belgium took 40 seconds to register the first decent attack in the game. This unsettled USA and it took time before they relaxed and steadied themselves. Belgium looked dangerous. Origi, Hazard, De Bryne all looked to drive forward at Howard's goal. And in the 25th minute Belgium had a shot cleared from the line. The tempo has been high, with both teams attacking but none found that clear cut chance. Another decent save from Howard towards the end of the half and both teams equal at half time.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first. Belgium were very strong on the attack and had the USA on the ropes. USA escaped the early onslaught and when they settled into the flow of the game they passed the ball well and caused a few problems of their own. We were now watching a great game of end to end football. The stats were showing that Belgium were dominating the play, with their corners, shots on and off target exceeding those of the USA. But they could not convert any chances. The man of the moment was Howard. He had made 4 great saves to keep his country in this game. When it looked as though Belgium would be breaking the goal duck he was rock solid and blocked every shot coming his way. The tempo did not drop, players were seriously fatigued, couldn't put any more effort in, but somehow they kept going. In the last minute the miss of the World Cup was witnessed (luckily for Wondolowski, he was waved ((incorrectly)) offside and the match goes to extra time.
An immediate impact from Lukaku as he powered down the right, played the ball across goal and De Bryne cooly slotted in. This early goal still gave the Americans opportunity to get back into the game. The tactical change to bring on Lukaku paid dividends as another great break from Belgium playing in the big centre for forward who smashed home the second.
Can the USA pull 1 back and get back into this game? Yes they can. A lovely goal by Green made the score 2-1. Ball into the box, Jones?!? GOAL-kick. So close. Team USA was being chanted in the stands. A well worked free kick fell to Dempsey and if Courtois hadn't saved it would have been a brilliant goal. They are throwing everything (including the kitchen sink) but they did not get that important goal.
It's finished 2-1 but we have watched an epic game that was full of ingredients that make a fascinating game of football. Tempo, heart, commitment, it had it all. USA should be very proud of their squad and their attitude. Belgium, looked great and if it wasn't for Howard they would have scored 5-6.
