Round of 16 · #94
United States v Belgium
Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington
The goals, minute by minute
- 9'Charles De KetelaereGoal · 0-1
- 31'Malik TillmanGoal · 1-1
- 33'Charles De KetelaereGoal · 1-2
- 57'Hans VanakenGoal · 1-3
- 90'+3'Romelu LukakuGoal · 1-4
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
USA (1st Group D, host) vs Belgium (1st Group G) · knockout
Team level
Belgium: a team with pedigree (De Bruyne, Doku, Lukaku); came back from 0-2 vs Senegal.
USA: young, physical and at home, but loses Balogun to suspension.
Key factors
- Belgium has more pedigree and goals.
- The USA runs and feeds off its crowd.
- Big blow: without Balogun the USA loses attacking punch.
Prediction
Result in 90': 1-1 (alternative: 2-1 Belgium)
- Belgium win: ~50%
- Draw: ~27%
- USA win: ~23%
Advances: Belgium (~60%)
Player to watch: Kevin De Bruyne, the one who invents the game.
Final verdict, Confidence: medium
Belgium is a slight favourite on pedigree and the USA's Balogun absence. The hosts
can trouble them with their crowd, but a Belgian advance is more likely.