Tuesday’s round of 16 matchup between Belgium and the United States might be the most intriguing of the eight we will see. Belgium came in as a team to watch, but despite winning all three of their Group H matches, they haven’t looked very good at all. The United States also haven’t played particularly well, but they fought to get to the knockout stage in the “group of death” that was Group G, and they’re going to be a tough team to eliminate.
World Cup Odds: Belgium -108, United States +325, Draw +245
Odds To Advance: Belgium -210, USA +180
Why Belgium Can Win
Belgium has the talent to play with anyone in the world, if you look at their roster. Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard can be wonderful midfield playmakers, while Marouane Fellaini has caused problems for the opposition because of his height, which makes this team dangerous from set pieces. Romelu Lukaku and Divock Origi can be a handful up front, while Vincent Kompany leads the defense and Thibault Courtois hasn’t given up a goal in open play yet at the World Cup.
But these games aren’t played on paper and the Belgians simply have to stop underachieving if they want to make some noise in Brazil. Their defense is in good shape, but going forward, Belgium has to be more assertive and the United States aren’t very good at the back, so they will have their chances.
Why The United States Can Win
The Americans are a very mentally tough team who don’t panic when things are going well, although they did have a major lapse in concentration to allow a late goal to Portugal, which probably would have given them first place in Group H and handed them a match against Algeria instead of Belgium. Captain Clint Dempsey has been a fearless leader up front and he can put away any half-chances his team can muster. Tim Howard is a big voice defensively in goal and he is doing his best to marshal the defense. This team is never out of a game and they will battle for as long as it takes and if any knockout match is going to go to extra time, it is this one.
The United States need Bradley to step up if they’re going to avoid elimination. He doesn’t look comfortable in an advanced role and may have to drop back a bit, but Dempsey can’t be left alone up front. He is in a tough situation here, but the midfielder has to figure it out.
Outlook
The Belgians have won two of three meetings with the Americans, who won the first one by a score of 3-0 at the World Cup, but that was in 1930. Belgium blanked the United States 1-0 in 2011 and then took a 4-2 victory last year in May, and they should have the upper hand in this match if they can control the midfield. The American defense has holes in it and that will be enough for Belgium to get to the final eight.
Pick: Belgium
