World Cup. Belgium vs USA preview

Key information about Belgium and USA national teams in FootballTop preview

Group stage

Belgium, who won all of their matches, topped Group H. Quite remarkably, The Red Devils have only scored in the last twenty minutes. In the game against South Korea Marc Wilmots rested a number of key players and fielded the following squad: Courtois, Vanden Borre, Van Buyten, Lombaerts, Vertonghen, Defour, Dembele, Mertens (Origi, 60), Fellaini, Januzaj (Chadli, 60), Mirallas (Hazard, 88).

The USA have got four points and finished above Portugal and Ghana in Group G. In the last match against Germany Juergen Klinsmann used the following players: Howard, Johnson, Besler, Gonzalez, Beasley, Beckerman, Jones, Davies (Bedoya, 59), Zusi (Yedlin, 84), Bradley, Dempsey.

Injuries

Belgium captain Vincent Kompany is doubtful with groin injury. Defenders Thomas Vermaelen, Anthony Vanden Borre and Laurent Ciman will likely miss the clash. Steven Defour is suspended.

Jozy Altidore is the only concern for Juergen Klinsmann.

Talk

Belgim’s midfielder Axel Witsel deemed nothing but a victory would be acceptable for his side: “I think it’s clear. If we fail to qualify for the quarter-finals, it will be a failure for us because we have a great team with great players and we have the quality to reach the quarter-finals.”

Juergen Klinsmann felt optimistic on USA chances against Belgium: “I’m very positive we have a good foundation for getting everything out of Belgium.
“The better team should win and go forward, but we’re doing well, we feel fresh, we feel recovered quickly, we have a great spirit and it feels like we just started this adventure.
“We are hungry, hungry for more, and we want to prove that to the best of our capabilities.”

History

The opponents have faced each other five times, and the European team won four of those matches.

Provisional squads

Belgim: Courtois, Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen, Fellaini, Witsel, Mertens, de Bruyne, Hazard, Origi.

USA: Howard, Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley, Jones, Beckerman, Bedoya, Bradley, Dempsey, Altidore.

Bookmakers

The major bookies give 1,95 for Belgium’s win; draw - 3,25; USA win - 4,2.