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Belgium v United States: World Cup 2014 match preview

We look ahead to the last match of the round of 16, with the much-fancied Belgium taking on surprise package USA

Konstantinos Lianos

Tuesday 01 July 2014 16:34 BST

Jan Vertonghen celebrates his goal for Belgium against South Korea (GETTY IMAGES)

As the round of 16 matches near to completion, the final game promises to be an intriguing encounter between Belgium and the USA.

LIVE: The latest from Argentina vs Switzerland and Belgium vs United States

The Belgians have not been the most entertaining side in this year’s World Cup but managed to qualify from their group with a 100 per cent record, proving why they were labelled as ‘dark horses’ before the tournament. The Americans were not expected to make it through with Germany and Portugal in the same group but managed to secure a late victory over Ghana in their group opener and a thrilling 2-2 with Portugal effectively sealed their place in the knockout round.

Belgium manager Marc Wilmots has been forced to deal with a number of injuries in his defence, with captain Vincent Kompany and Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen both doubts. Another centre-back, Laurent Ciman, and right-back Anthony Vanden Borre are also missing due to injury, while midfielder Steven Defour is suspended after being shown a red card against South Korea last week.

Manager Jürgen Klinsmann was considered to be ‘un-American’ by the US press after claiming it would be unrealistic for the United States to win the World Cup. However, he has now told the players and their families to change their flights back home for the date after the World Cup final, showing the belief he has in his side.

Klinsmann does, however, faces an anxious wait to see if first-choice striker Jozy Altidore will be fit for the game against a technically-gifted Belgium side. Former Fulham hitman Clint Dempsey is expected to start up front as a result, but otherwise the German manager has no other injury concerns.

South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Show all 23

1/23South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Kim Seung-gyu

Made a couple of decent saves but will have expected a much busier evening’s work. That’s not his fault, though, and he was commanding when called upon. 7

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Lee Yong

Raced forward when needed to support his midfield and defended admirably – especially from set-pieces. 7

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Yun Suk-young

Like Lee Yong, Yun Suk-young was exciting down the flank but lost possession quite frequently. This poor distribution ultimately cost South Korea. 6

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Kim Young-gwon

Was a warrior at the back for South Korea. Headed every ball, cleared every cross and tackled every player who dared stray too close. 8

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Hong Jeong-ho

An impressive performance on what should have been a more pressing evening. While the Belgians were poor at times, this was in some part down to the Korean defending. 7

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Ki Sung-yueng

Was able to maraud forward at his pleasure after Steven Defour’s dismissal and made the most of his newfound freedom. His deliveries were top quality too. 7

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Han Kook-young

Protected his defence well but lacked the ambition to venture into the Belgium half. 6

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Lee Chung-yong

While showcasing the ability to craft chances out of nothing, Lee Chung-yong’s final ball was something of a disappointment. 6

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Son Heung-min

Was a tireless pest which the Belgians struggled to deal with all night. Ran the line with enthusiasm and was unlucky not to be rewarded. 7

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Kim Shin-wook

Unfortunately lacked the ability to finish off some encouraging South Korea attacks. Had another striker been on the pitch, tonight’s scoreline could have been very different. 5

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Koo Ja-cheol

Proved his work rate with some encouraging forays into the Belgium penalty area but, like his colleague Kim Shin-wook, he struggled to make his chances show. 5

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Thibaut Courtois

Despite his side going down the ten men on the brink of half-time, the Chelsea shot-stopper was barely tested. Dealt with any situation which presented itself. 7

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Anthony Vanden Borre

While striving to gallop forward on many occasions, Anthony Vanden Borre struggled to make his mark. Will have been expected to achieve more. 6

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Jan Vertonghen

A rock in the heart of the Belgium defence and scorer of their winning goal, the Tottenham Hotspur man was on top form. 8

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Daniel van Buyten

A surprising choice by Marc Wilmots, at 36-years-old, Daniel van Buyton was as imposing as he’s ever been. A stellar performance. 7

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Nicolas Lombaerts

Really struggled to match the pace of his peers and ultimately proved to go missing for large periods. A disappointing night. 6

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Steven Defour

Gave possession away cheaply until his red card confirmed a poor evening for the Porto midfielder. 3

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Marouane Fellaini

Worked tirelessly for much of the game but lacked the penetration which has defined his distribution so far in the tournament. Decent but unremarkable. 6

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Moussa Dembele

Was called upon to step into Steven Defour’s shoes after his dismissal and did a commendable job in the centre of Belgium’s system. 7

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Dries Mertens

Not nearly as impressive as his previous outings, Dries Martens' shift will be remembered for his horrendous miss in the first half. Could have cost his country dearly. 6

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Adnan Januzaj

Non-existent for large swathes of the match, Manchester United’s wonderkid found the big stage difficult. 5

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Kevin Mirallas

Started the game upfront and is, perhaps, the reason for Belgium’s early impotency. When moved back into midfield the Everton man proved more of a threat. 6

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South Korea 0 Belgium 1 player ratings

Divock Origi

If the rumours of Liverpool's interest prove to hold any credence, then the Reds may have a talent on their hands. Made a noticeable difference after coming on. 7

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KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 9pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

USA 2 (Cameron, Dempsey) Belgium 4 (Mirallas, Benteke 2, Fellaini), International Friendly, May 2013

Belgium 1 (Lombaerts) USA 0, International Friendly, September 2011

USA 3 (McGhee, Florie, Patenaude) Belgium 0, World Cup, July 1930

STATS

Last time Belgium reached the quarter-finals was in 1986, 17 of the current Belgian players were not born back then.

The Red Devils made it through with maximum points for the first time ever in the World Cup.

The Belgians have scored their last six World Cup goals in the last 20 minutes.

The Red Devils’ goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has yet to taste international defeat.

USA have reached the quarter finals three times in their last four World Cup participations.

If former Fulham striker Clint Dempsey scores he will tie Landon Donovan as the all-time American World Cup scorer with five goals.

ODDS

Belgium to win: 21/20

USA to win: 16/5

Draw: 12/5

TV: Live on BBC One at 9pm

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