World Cup 2014: USA v Belgium

For Jürgen Klinsmann’s Team USA, two big changes: Geoff Cameron is back, but at midfield rather than defense, and Alejandro Bedoya is also in at midfield. Out are Kyle Beckerman and Brad Davis – and Jozy Altidore is not starting. It all adds up to an attack-minded 4-3-3.

Asterisks denote players carrying yellow cards; incurring a second yellow today puts a player out of the quarterfinal match:

GK: 1 Tim HOWARD (Everton, ENG);

DF: 23 Fabian JOHNSON (Borussia Mönchengladbach, GER), 3 Omar GONZALEZ * (LA Galaxy), 5 Matt BESLER (Sporting Kansas City), 7 DaMarcus BEASLEY (Puebla, MEX);

MF: 4 Michael BRADLEY (Toronto FC), 20 Geoff CAMERON* (Stoke City, ENG), 13 Jermaine JONES * (Besiktas, TUR);

FW: 19 Graham ZUSI (Sporting Kansas City), 8 Clint DEMPSEY (Seattle Sounders) , 11 Alejandro BEDOYA (Nantes, FRA).

after Vertonghen knocks the ball over the by line

The U.S. emerged from the formidable Group G as the runner-up while Belgium advanced into the knockout round as the top team in Group H. Belgium, the second-youngest team at the World Cup, fields a lineup stocked with skillful players starring at clubs across Europe. Undefeated in Group H, Belgium’s inexperience and talent were both on full display in wins over Algeria, Russia and South Korea. In all three of its group-stage matches, Belgium initially struggled to break down its opponents but secured wins with late goals. All four of Belgium’s group-stage goals came in the 70th minute or later.

In a knockout round game that could stretch into extra time, Belgium’s penchant for late heroics could certainly come into play yet again.

Reader Jeff Forster observes: “Every time the McDonald’s ads appear on the field-level ad boards, it looks like Belgium is the McDonald’s company team.” Good thing Fellaini’s Afro isn’t dyed orange.