The USA has won a knockout-round match for the first time in 24 years, and only for the second time ever. Monday at 8 p.m. EST, the Americans will take on Belgium in Seattle. This is a rematch of our 2014 Round of 16 extra-time loss to Belgium, one of the biggest heartbreaks of my lifetime supporting this team. It might be the same opponent, but this time we face them at the end of their Golden Generation.
Belgium
Twelve years ago, Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku played their first international tournament together and began what was widely considered Belgium’s Golden Generation. Internationally, they have been disappointing over the years, but they’ve always been a level above the US. This time, Hazard will be in the stands, while Courtois, De Bruyne, and Lukaku will likely be playing in their final international tournament. Regardless of their age, all of those players still have something to give.
This World Cup, Belgium’s attack has been inconsistent and very disjointed. Jeremy Doku hasn’t had the same impact he has had for Manchester City, and their striker play has been subpar without Lukaku. He’s come off the bench in two games and made a huge impact. After his display against Senegal, I expect him to start this match. His physical stature will be a lot for the American center backs to handle. And even though De Bruyne doesn’t have the legs he used to, he is still one of the world’s elite passers and can change a game in an instant.
At the back, this Belgium team has been very shaky. They have two mistake-prone center backs and fullbacks who much prefer to get forward and attack than defend. What should worry the Americans the most is Courtois. As a Liverpool supporter, I know all too well about his ability to single-handedly win a match. He is still one of the world’s best goalkeepers and, if in the mood, can stifle anyone.
USA
The Americans ended an 11-game losing streak against European opponents when they took down Bosnia and Herzegovina. It wasn’t as pretty as their two previous wins. Because of the outrageous red card to Folarin Balogun, this team was able to show they can win a dirty game where they have to suffer for long stretches of a half. A win like that will do their confidence a world of good going into games against bigger opponents.
The loss of Balogun will no doubt hurt, but Ricardo Pepi is a very capable backup. He’s a different kind of striker than Balogun. He’s a bigger forward who uses his body really well in hold-up play. He is not the fastest, but he is a willing runner. The downside is that his finishing has taken a dip this season. (Edit: Folarin Balogun’s red card has been suspended and he is now eligible to play)
Defensively, the US needs to make sure they do not allow Lukaku free rein in the box and that Jeremy Doku is shut down. He hasn’t had a good tournament, but he’s shown at Manchester City that he’s a very dangerous dribbler.
This feels like the type of game where Christian Pulisic can show the world why we call him Captain America. Without Balogun, the Americans’ goal threat takes a hit, and Pulisic will be needed to put something on the board if they are going to advance.
Belgium’s Golden Generation may be coming to an end, but that just means they’ll be as motivated as ever to make a deep run in this competition. Not that they need it, but the US will have extra motivation as they look for revenge for 2014. With the raucous Seattle crowd behind them, I can see the Americans winning a tight one and keeping their World Cup dreams alive.
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