The 2014 FIFA World Cup has started a powerful movement for soccer in America. U.S. fans have been waiting for this moment for the longest.
The event has broken television records and things could get even hotter if the U.S. soccer team can beat Belgium later today in the Round of 16 of the competition. The winner of this game will play against the victor of Switzerland vs Argentina, a game that will start at 12:00 PM EST on ESPN. America will take on its European rival at 4:00 PM on the same network.
USA vs Belgium is a match that looks pretty even from a distance, but when you look closer the Belgian national squad has a little advantage. Belgium is one of the few teams that won their first three matches in Brazil. Vincent Kompany’s teammates did not win those games in spectacular fashion but in sports a win is always a win.
Belgium used a solid defense and strong bench to beat teams like Russia and South Korea but against the U.S. things will be slightly different since players like Thomas Vermaelen and Anthony Vanden Borre will not be available because of injury. Belgian coach Marc Wilmots may also have to deal with the possible absence of his team’s captain Kompany who has not fully recuperated from an injury.
Wilmots will probably have to set up a whole new defensive system. This may offer an opening to the Americans since the Belgians will have to get used to their new defensive line.
Another good news for America is the return of striker Jozy Altidore who missed the two last games against Portugal and Germany because of a strained left hamstring. It’s not guarantee that the Sunderland player will start the game but it’s almost certain that he will participate in this important game in some fashion.
For U.S. to win against Belgium it will have to present an upbeat face like the one against Portugal. It will also have to make sure that world class players like Eden Hazard and Marouane Fellaini don’t get too many opportunities.
It can be done.
