World Cup: Belgium 2 – USMNT 1
The USMNT exited the 2014 World Cup with a Round of 16 loss to Belgium in Salvador. With the USMNT absorbing significant pressure from the Belgium attack, the game ended scoreless in regulation. Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne scored in the 93rd minute and Romelu Lukaku added a second goal in the 104th. Extra time substitute Julian Green pulled a goal back for the USMNT, scoring in the 107th minutes after subbing on. Belgium advances to a quarterfinal meeting with Argentina on Saturday.
“It’s heartbreaking, I don’t think we could have given any more,” USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard said. “We left it all out there. We got beaten by a really good team. They took their chances well. It’s heartache, it hurts. But hats off to Belgium, they were fantastic.”
USMNT Jurgen Klinsmann altered his lineup against Belgium, keeping Omar Gonzalez in the back line and putting Geoff Cameron in the midfield. Klinsmann made an early substitution when Fabian Johnson had to leave with a strained left hamstring in the 30th minute. Klinsmann brought on DeAndre Yedlin in place of Johnson.
Goalkeeper Tim Howard made 13 saves in regulation, with Belgium struggling with crosses and shot selection. Belgium had numerous opportunities on the ball, but most of their crosses and corner kicks failed to connect. Klinsmann brought on San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski in the 72nd minute to partner Clint Dempsey in the USMNT attack. Wondolowski had a late opportunity in regulation.
With Belgium scoring early in extra time, the USMNT tried to press. This allowed Belgium opportunities on the counter attack and they took advantage in the 105th minute. Romelu Lukaku scored in the 104th minute to put the game away. Jurgen Klinsmann used his final substitution to bring on Julian Green on just before the extra time break. Green scored in the 107th minute, his first goal for the USMNT.
— GAME REPORT —
Match: U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Belgium
Date: July 1, 2014
Competition: 2014 FIFA World Cup – Round of 16
Venue: Estadio Fonte Nova; Salvador, Brazil
Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET
Attendance: 51,227
Weather: 79 degrees, cloudy
Scoring Summary: 1 2 OT1 OT2 F
USA 0 0 0 1 1
BEL 0 0 2 0 2
BEL – Kevin De Bruyne 93rd minute
BEL – Romelu Lukaku (Kevin De Bruyne) 105
USA – Julian Green (Michael Bradley) 107
Lineups:
USA: 1-Tim Howard; 23-Fabian Johnson (2-DeAndre Yedlin, 32), 3-Omar Gonzalez, 5-Matt Besler, 7-DaMarcus Beasley; 20-Geoff Cameron, 4- Michael Bradley, 13-Jermaine Jones; 11-Alejandro Bedoya (16-Julian Green,105+2), 8-Clint Dempsey (capt.), 19-Graham Zusi (18-Chris Wondolowski, 72)
Subs Not Used: 6-John Brooks, 10-Mix Diskerud, 12-Brad Guzan, 14-Brad Davis, 15-Kyle Beckerman, 17-Jozy Altidore, 21-Timmy Chandler, 22-Nick Rimando, 23-Aron Johannsson
Head Coach: Jurgen Klinsmann
BEL: 1-Thibaut Courtois; 2-Toby Alderweireld, 4-Vincent Kompany (capt.), 5-Jan Vertonghen, 15-Daniel Van Buyten; 6-Axel Witsel, 7-Kevin De Bruyne, 8-Marouane Fellaini, 10-Eden Hazard (22-Nacer Chadli, 111), 14-Dries Mertens (11-Kevin Mirallas, 60); 17-Divock Origi (9-Romelu Lukaku, 91)
Subs not used: 3-Thomas Vermaelen, 12-Simon Mignolet, 13-Sammy Bossut, 18-Nicolas Lombaerts,19-Mousa Dembele, 20-Adnan Januzaj, 23-Laurent Ciman
Not Available: 16-Steven Defour (red card), 21-Anthony Vanden Borre (injury)
Head Coach: Marc Wilmots
Stats Summary: USA / BEL
Shots: 15 / 38
Shots on Goal: 9 / 27
Saves: 16 / 4
Corner Kicks: 4 / 19
Fouls: 11 / 27
Offside: 0 / 2
Misconduct Summary:
USA – Geoff Cameron (caution) 18th minute
BEL – Vincent Kompany (caution) 42
Officials:
Referee: Djamel Haimoudi (ALG)
Assistant Referee 1: Redouane Achik (MAR)
Assistant Referee 2: Abdelhak Etchiali (ALG)
Fourth Official: Norbert Hauata (TAH)
