Today it’s USA vs. Belgium in the second round of the World Cup. Last time these two teams met on this stage was way back in 1930 – in the first round of the first World Cup in Uruguay. On that day just as today the Belgians were the favorite – but when it was all said and done the score was 3-0 USA. Can the Stars and Stripes pull another upset over the Red Devils or will revenge be served extremely hot and humid in Salvador, Brazil? Here’s a look at who we’re up against:
GOALKEEPER:
Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
*One of the best young up-and-coming keepers in the world, the 22-year-old has spent the last three seasons on loan playing for Atlético Madrid. He has quickly developed into one of the best keepers in Spain, and helped Atlético win La Liga this year. His loan is up and after the World Cup he is set to return to the Blues. However, with the great Petr Cech still employed by Chelsea, Courtois will most likely be loaned out again – this time for an extremely pretty penny.
At 6’6″ he has the prototype body to play goal, and if he keeps on his current pace he will soon be mentioned among the world’s best. In the three games he has played in the World Cup so far – he’s allowed one goal.
RIGHT-BACK:
Toby Alderweireld (Atlético Madrid)
*A midseason acquisition for Atlético from Ajax, he helped win La Liga with teammate Courtois. Mainly a center-back, he is preferred by Coach Marc Wilmots on the right.
Anthony Vanden Borre (Anderlecht)
*Normally the second-choice right-back, he is also capable of playing on the wing. Unfortunately an injury will force him to miss the remainder of the World Cup.
LEFT-BACK:
Jan Vertonghen (Spurs)
*Another player usually deployed at center-back, but for Belgium he’ll play left-back. Wilmots plays a unique system essentially using four center-backs but Vertonghen will be the one of the back four most likely to venture forward – and he possesses a very powerful shot.
Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal)
*Yet another center-back that Wilmots uses on the left. The Gunner is excellent on balls in the air and makes quick decisions while defending the front of goal. He is usually an offensive threat from the back line but an injury will force him to miss the game versus USA.
CENTER-BACK:
Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
*Captain of the Premier League champions as well as the Belgian National Team and one of the best defenders in the world. As you may have noticed the Belgians have a bit of an injury bug going around and Kompany is no different – he is listed as questionable for the game. If he can’t go that would be a huge loss for the Red Devils – and coupled with the return of Jozy Altidore for USA it would make for a big swing in advantage.
Daniel Van Buyten (Bayern München)
*The half German is the veteran of the Belgian defense at 36 years old, as well as a Bundesliga and Champions League winner. At 6’6″ his best attribute is his ability in the air; he defends crosses and corners extremely well. When he is partnered with Kompany his slow pace isn’t usually a factor – but if the captain misses the game it would behoove the USA to pressure the center-backs every time they touch the ball. It would also make sense to try and attack them with speed up-and-down the sidelines to test their full-backs who will be playing out of position.
Nicolas Lombaerts (Zenit)
*He will most likely start if Kompany can’t go. A good solid defender – but a significant downgrade from the elite play of the skipper.
Laurent Ciman (Standard Leige)
*Probably the last choice of the eight defenders on the Belgian squad, but he just might be pressed into action due to all the injuries.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER:
Kevin DeBruyne (Wolfsburg)
*The best player in the Belgian midfield – he basically goes wherever he wants and does whatever he needs to do to facilitate the attack. Shutting him down would go a long way to stifling the Belgian offense, as it often starts with him.
Axel Witsel (Zenit)
*An excellent defensive midfielder who will sit in front of the center-backs. He can contribute to the offense with adept passing as well.
Moussa Dembélé (Spurs)
*A fantastic dribbler and smooth passer who moves the ball through the midfield very efficiently. Whether he starts or enters as a sub he usually sees consistent playing time under Wilmots.
Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United)
*Coming off a poor season for his Premier League club, he has nonetheless fit right back in to his box-to-box role in the midfield for his country. Can have an effect on the game as a starter or sub.
Steven Defour (Porto)
*A red card for a reckless tackle last Thursday against South Korea will keep him out of this match. He most likely would have been used in a reserve role.
WING/WIDE FORWARD:
Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
*He is the best Belgian player and their most skilled and talented attacker. If USA can shut him down their chances of winning increase exponentially. He is incredibly creative and a brilliant passer, plus he has explosive speed and the ability to create a goal all by himself. He’s definitely the most exciting Belgian to watch and has tallied 20 goals in the last year for club and country.
Dries Mertens (Napoli)
*A dangerous goal scorer who is small and speedy, and can easily get lost behind the defense. He’s got plenty of skill to start and also works well off the bench as a burst of energy late.
Nacer Chadli (Spurs)
*A good shooter who plays with good pace, he can fit into the wing or forward role so he’ll either start or be used as a versatile substitute.
Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United)
*Coming off an excellent rookie season for the Red Devils of England, he made the Red Devils of his homeland after only playing in two friendlies prior to the World Cup. The 19-year-old is a very dangerous attacker who could poach a goal late.
FORWARDS:
Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)
*With 22 goals for club and country this past year it’s safe to say Lukaku is Belgium’s best finisher. He’ll play the 10 and will be the American center-backs biggest problem.
Kevin Mirallas (Everton)
*Capable of playing as an attacker at forward or on the wing, he will be relishing a chance to get into this game and score a goal on his Everton teammate Tim Howard. Will most likely come off the bench if Lukaku is ineffective.
Divock Origi (Lille)
*The 19-year-old striker might be called upon if Belgium needs a goal late. He also has the coolest name on a team full of really cool names.
Article By: Anthony Schiano
