The United States’ declaration of their attacking intentions may awaken the more thrill-seeking instincts of unbeaten but so far underwhelming Belgium as they prepare for “war” in tonight’s last-16 World Cup clash.
Belgium came through the group stage with three wins from three but failed to hit the heights expected of their exciting, star-studded squad with somewhat lukewarm performances and late shows.
However, with talents likes Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku there is time for that to change and the Europeans will be a stiff test for a US side that surprised many by beating off 2010 quarter-finalists Ghana and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to qualify alongside Germany in Group G.
The American’s mix of organisation and physical fitness has been improved by coach Juergen Klinsmann’s focus on quick passing moves that have sharpened their attacking edge, and it is that high energy mantra that could unsettle Belgium.
“Physically they are very strong. We are preparing for a war,” Belgium coach Marc Wilmots told reporters.
A fast start could be key to the progress of the US who will have noticed that Belgium took until at least the 70th minute to score in all three of their group matches.
“We are going to take it to them,” said Klinsmann, whose players’ families have been told to change flights home until after the World Cup final.
“We believe we have enough confidence now going into this game to beat them. We know we have to go to our extremes to make this happen.”
While the Belgians may have stuttered slightly, an unbeaten qualifying campaign extended to their first three World Cup games is enviable and does support their ranking as fifth favourites with bookmakers going into the tournament.
A defence possessing Thibault Courtois in goal and dominant centre-half Vincent Kompany have conceded just once in Brazil – a penalty to Algeria – and despite their ‘dark horse’ tag appear unperturbed by a void of anticipated flair in their displays.
“What does it mean to play beautifully?” Wilmots said.
“Every game is characterised by tactics and physical fitness. What is important in the end is the result, to win the match with whatever style of play.”
Having sealed a last-16 spot after two group games, Wilmots fielded a much changed side in Belgium’s final tie with South Korea, meaning there will be many fresh legs for the US clash with the line-up expected to revert to that which faced Russia.
Both Kompany and fellow defender Thomas Vermaelen are expected to be available despite recent injuries but Wilmots will definitely be without the suspended Steven Defour, as well as injured duo Laurent Ciman and Anthony Vanden Borre.
Key statistics
• Belgium are playing in their first World Cup finals since 2002. Their best World Cup result is fourth place in 1986.
• The only time the US have beaten Belgium was at the 1930 World Cup, winning 3-0 in the group stages on their run to the semi-finals.
• This is the United States’ seventh successive appearance in the finals, a consistent run bettered only by Brazil, Italy, Argentina, Germany, Spain and South Korea.
Previous meetings
• Belgium and the United States have met five times with the Belgians victorious on four occasions and the US just once.
Last meeting: May 29, 2013, Cleveland, US, friendly – US 2 Belgium 4.