Belgium took care of business in Group H, winning all three matches, and now face an upset-minded United States for a place in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Form and fitness

Belgium go into the game having just established a number of records. They won their group for the first time, with the maximum points, also a first in any competition. After the South Korea match, they are unbeaten in their last 13 games. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reached his
100th clean sheet against Russia, a big landmark for such a young goalkeeper. Belgium are on a roll and look supremely fit, deciding their games in the final 20 minutes when their opponent starts to fade. Anthony Vanden Borre isn't available after he broke his leg against South Korea while Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen are doubtful to play against the Americans.

The Americans made it this far,
finishing second in a group most gave them little
chance to survive, through little more than guts
and guile. In the process, Jurgen Klinsmann's team
collected a raft of injuries that could play a role in
their readiness for the match. At their best, the
United States can go toe-to-toe with most teams in
the tournament, including the Belgians. With the
amount of defensive football they were forced to
play in the group stage, however, there remains
some doubt whether they can flip the necessary
switch in the round of 16. Despite indications that
Jozy Altidore is approaching full fitness, it seems
unlikely the striker will figure from the start.

World Cup history

Belgium and the U.S. met straight away in the first World Cup in 1930. The U.S. won 3-0 in
Montevideo, Uruguay, on their way to winning the group. It was the last time they ever met in competition. Since then, Belgium have won three friendly games in Brussels, 1-0 in 1995 and 2011 plus 2-0 in 1998. Their last meeting came in May 2013 in Cleveland. Belgium won 4-2, a scoreline that, according to some U.S. writers, flattered the Americans. Klinsmann said after the game that he had "learned a lot."



The winner of this match plays either Argentina or Switzerland.

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