- Title: BRAZIL: SOCCER/FOOTBALL: United States train ahead of Belgium match
- Date: 30th June 2014
- Summary: SALVADOR, BRAZIL (JUNE 30, 2014) (REUTERS) UNITED STATES DEFENDER DAMARCUS BEASLEY (BEARD) JOGGING WITH TEAM MATES MIDFIELDER JERMAINE JONES (LEFT) AND JOZY ALTIDORE JOGGING BEASLEY WARMING UP WITH TEAM MATES UNITED STATES COACH JUERGEN KLINSMANN VARIOUS OF PLAYERS STRETCHING ALTIDORE AND JONES STRETCHING PLAYERS STRETCHING AS KLINSMANN WATCHES ON GOALKEEPERS BRAD GUZAN (B
- Embargoed: 15th July 2014 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Brazil
- Country: Brazil
- Topics: Sports
- Reuters ID: LVA9ZZE5RTQUDPXKC8IM4YNAGHBS
- Story Text: The United States trained at the Jose Bastos stadium in Salvador on Monday (June 30) as they prepare for their World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium.
U.S. coach Juergen Klinsmann has declared his team's attacking intentions for the match at the Fonte Nova arena on Tuesday (July 1), which may awaken the more thrill-seeking instincts of unbeaten but so far underwhelming Belgium.
The Belgians came through the group stage with three wins from three against Algeria, Russia and South Korea but failed to hit the heights expected of their exciting, star-studded squad with somewhat lukewarm performances and late shows.
However with talents likes Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku there is time for that to change and the Europeans will be a stiff test for a U.S. side that surprised many by beating off 2010 quarter-finalists Ghana and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal to qualify alongside Germany in Group G.
The American's mix of organisation and physical fitness has been improved by Klinsmann's focus on quick passing moves that have sharpened their attacking edge, and it is that high energy mantra that could unsettle Belgium.
A fast start could be key to the progress of the U.S. who will have noticed that Belgium took until at least the 70th minute to score in all three of their group matches.
While the Belgians may have stuttered slightly, an unbeaten qualifying campaign extended to their first three World Cup games is enviable and does support their ranking as fifth favourites with bookmakers going into the tournament.
A defence possessing Thibault Courtois in goal and dominant centre half Vincent Kompany have conceded just once in Brazil - a penalty to Algeria.
The Belgians have won the last four of their five games with the U.S., including a 4-2 victory in Cleveland in May last year. A solitary win for the U.S. came in the 1930 World Cup.
Having sealed a last-16 spot after two group games, Wilmots fielded a much changed side in Belgium's final tie with South Korea, meaning there will be many fresh legs for the U.S. clash with the line-up expected to revert to that which faced Russia.
Both Kompany and fellow defender Thomas Vermaelen are expected to play despite recent injuries but Wilmots will definitely be without the suspended Steven Defour, as well as injured duo Laurent Ciman and Anthony Vanden Borre.
For the U.S. striker Jozy Altidore is expected to be on the bench after resuming training following a hamstring injury but Klinsmann is unlikely to tinker too much with his line-up.
Toby Alderweireld, Mousa Dembele, Jan Vertonghen and Axel Witsel are one booking away from suspension for Belgium, while the same threat applies to Omar Gonzalez, Kyle Beckerman and Jermaine Jones for the U.S.
The winner of the clash at Salvador's Fonte Nova arena will play Argentina or Switzerland in the quarter-finals. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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