Belgium have advanced to the final eight at the Brazil World Cup following a dramatic 2-1 victory against the United States.
With the scores locked at nil-all, the game was sent to overtime. Just seconds into the first extra period, Belgium made the breakthrough.
Belgium moved further ahead before the United States reeled them back. However, it was not enough to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
FINAL SCORE:
Belgium 2
USA 1
The Round of 16 comes to a close with Belgium taking on the United States of America in Salvador. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6:00am (AEST).
Belgium won their group with three wins, but were certainly below their best in group play. They recorded one goal wins over Russia, South Korea and Algeria, and they’ll really need to lift their standard of play if they want to advance further in Brazil.
WATCH THE LATEST WORLD CUP HIGHLIGHTS
The USA survived what their media called the “Group of Death,” beating out Portugal for second spot behind Germany. They impressed many neutral fans with their group play, and probably should have come out of the group with two wins and a loss, rather than the one win, one draw and one loss they ended up having.
Belgium have some injury issues with Vincent Kompany being a potential out for this clash. Without the presence of their captain, the Belgians may struggle for motivation and structure. With Thibaut Courtois in goal, this potential loss may not be as bad as first thought.
The Americans got some good news this week with Jozy Altidore available for selection alongside Clint Dempsey. For an American attack that looked very tame against Germany, the fitness of Altidore could be the stroke of luck the Americans need to get over the top of a very good Belgian side.
Watch out for Eden Hazzard. If he gets involved in any meaningful way, Belgium will win this one easily.
Prediction:
As impressive as the US were in getting out of their group, I think the journey ends here. Although the Belgians have been largely unimpressive, you get the feeling that this is a side that could erupt at any moment.
Belgium 3-1
AZ_RBB
Guest
Even I'm going to have nightmares over that Wondowlowski miss.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
2 100% south American and euro QF 2 mixed SA/Euro QF. A good old duel between old Europe and south/central America, love it.
jamesb
Guest
All group winners go through to the quarter finals. Brazil v Colombia France v Germany Netherlands v Costa Rica Argentina v Belgium
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
FULL TIME Well, the better team won in the end, but it wasn't without it's drama. The US came hard in the second period of Extra Time, and they looked very likely to push this one to penalties. Also, the miss from Wondolowski will haunt that man for the rest of his life. Quarter Finals coming up next, with Brazil vs. Colombia, Netherlands vs. Costa Rica, Germany vs. France and Belgium vs. Argentina. Interestingly, all 8 Group winners have advanced to the Quarter Finals.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
120+1' 30 seconds left, and it's a free kick to the Americans. They'll get one more chance!! Howard pounds it long, but it's cleared by Fellaini, and that'll do it here!!! Final whistle sounds, and Belgium are moving on to face Argentina!!! Belgium 2 USA 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
120+1' Only a single minute of stoppage time, as Yedlin hits the ball wide. That could be it. Belgium 2 USA 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
118' Free kick against Fellaini, but it's too far out to be dangerous. Bradley plays it in, and Jones win s possession, but it's cleared by Fellaini. Now Lukaku may have a chance on the counter-attack. Belgium 2 USA 1
Rob McHugh
Roar Guru
Might wanna retract that now :P Extra time has been a cracker. I'm surprised Lukaku wasn't brought on til he was.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
117' Only about 4 minutes left now, and Belgium are on the attack through Lukaku. Now Miralles has fouled Beasley, so the US will regain possession. They've got 3 minutes left now. Belgium 2 USA 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
CHANCE USA 116' Yedlin plays a very dangerous ball in, and this one almost gets all the way through to Dempsey. Now Green on the left wing. Jones with a shot now, but it's very wasteful. Belgium 2 USA 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
115' The US are running out of time now. Free kick against Gonzalez now will allow Belgium to clear. Belgium 2 USA 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
114' Cameron turns the ball over, but Fellaini just boots it out of bounds. USA are right on top here. Belgium 2 USA 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
113' Yedlin plays it in, but Jones can't get a good head on it. Now Bradley is dispossessed, but the Americans will remain on the attack. Belgium 2 USA 1
Mister Football
Roar Guru
what a chance for the US, almost point blank
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
CHANCE USA 113' Bradley plays the short free kick, and now Dempsey has a great chance, but it's saved by Courtois!!! Wow!!!! Belgium 2 USA 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
SUBSTITUTION BELGIUM 112' Jermaine Jones tries a long shot, and now a free kick to the US in a very dangerous spot. Just so you know, Eden Hazzard has been subbed off for Nacer Chadli. Belgium 2 USA 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
111' 10 minutes left here for the US. They need something special here. Corner for Belgium, and it's cleared away by Gonzalez. Now Miralles gets some space, but he's dispossessed well. Now Green and Beasley combine, and a free kick to the US on the left flank. Belgium 2 USA 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
CHANCE BELGIUM 110' Lukaku almost beats three men by himself, and it takes the best effort from Tim Howard to keep the US in this one. Belgium 2 USA 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
108' USA have really upped the ante here. Bradley plays a long ball to Yedlin now, who goes straight back to Bradley. He has to concede ground here, but they get the switch through Green. Now Beasley plays the ball back for Gonzalez. Surely a shot coming soon. Possession is turned over. Belgium 2 USA 1
Mister Football
Roar Guru
the kid did ok gives the US a chance Klinsman should remember his WC history, how back in 1982 West Germany came back from 2 goals down in ET to tie it up and then win on pens