Lots of injuries on our side. Kompany, Vermaelen, Dembele, Vanden Borre. Defour with his horrendous stamp is rightfully suspended. Makes things trickier, but hopefully all of them bar Vanden Borre will be fit for the match. The U.S. did extremely well to get out of the group; not entirely surprising given their last World Cup successes. Jones has interestingly dethroned Bradley as the MVP of the squad. Lots of potential danger in the way of Fabian Johnson's maraudering runs as well. Altidore might be fit, and he gives more of a presence up top than Johansson or Wondolowski. The U.S. are unlike the teams we played in our group; they're almost as physical as we are and they'll keep running throughout the match; I don't think we can just wear them down as easily. An early goal would be very helpful. I think we'll lineup in a pretty standard manner. Lombaerts may replace Kompany depending on his fitness. Fellaini will probably get the start with Witsel; though hopefully he'll play more like he did in the 2nd half against Korea to insure the Americans don't overload Witsel. I think Mertens might lose his place as well; he's shown an inability to remain fresh past 45 minutes. Mirallas, Chadli, and Januzaj may be in with a shout (Adnan wasn't great against Korea, but he's tracks back very well. Origi looks more like a super sub than a starter, seeing as he was winded by the end of the last game, but can Lukaku bounce back? Tough decisions either way.
Excited about this match. Think we win 1-0. That said we have played bad this World Cup, especially the first half of the game. If lukaku plays he needs to play better, and we need to be more attacking. I haven't read about kompany but I hope he plays.
Belgium has always been one of my 'standby' countries to support (if Switzerland aren't 'in play') Your team of '86 deserved better. Michel Renquin (Servette) was the best CB/Sweeper I've ever seen. Better than Beckenbauer. MR did at least play for the 'Rest of the World' v Argentina post 1986 WC. And was superb. As for Belgium's current squad: You've 'got lucky' by getting so far without playing well. Bubble about to burst - or 'name on the Cup?'
It would be nice to win this. A quarter-final appearance after a dozen years of absence would be a properly good tournament showing.
Courtois, Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen, Witsel, Fellaini, De Bruyne, Mertens, Origi, Hazard Good luck guys!
Good game, in the edge of my seat the whole time. We need to play with more pace, and need to finish our chances. I am very excited for this teams future. Against Argentina I would like to see the same lineup. Allez Diables Rouge!
Best match played by us so far. Much higher tempo although awfully wasteful in front of goal, should won 3-0 in full time. I always wanted to see how this team does against a super power team in a competitive tournament. Now we will get to see where we actually stand in world football against argentina. Although I think they have only two players, messi and di maria, who will bother us more.
It's ok, it's all over for them. You have Really, though. If it wasn't for Howard having the game of his life, it would have been a blowout win for Belgium. I see Belgium devastating Argentina on the counter, they are soft at the back.
One more issue wilmots have to resolve and its about set pieces. 19 corners and not a single head towards goal with players like fellaini, kompany and DVB!!!
USA fan here. Congratulations on a well played game. Obviously, the Belgians dominated most of the match, but our US guys stepped it up at the end (why not earlier????) but didn't put it in the net when they had the chance. The best team won today, but here's hoping that we meet again with a better USA team. Good luck and I hope your teams dismantles Argentina. Oh, you have a very beautiful country. Been there once and loved it.