Day 19: Belgium vs. United States

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didz

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Looking forward to this one. Completely opposite sorts of sides - USA have no one especially good, but have a strong team, while Belgium have plenty of big names but not an especially strong team.
 

Sir Matt

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Belgium could be missing their best player, Kompany, plust Vermaelen.

Jozy Altidore is probably still doubtful though has been doing light training. The US is better with him up top and Dempsey playing the creative role instead of Bradley. I'm interested to see who'll start on the wings. Bedoya, Zusi, and Davis haven't been inspiring.
 

peterstorey

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Jozy Altidore is probably still doubtful though has been doing light training. The US is better with him up top and Dempsey playing the creative role instead of Bradley. I'm interested to see who'll start on the wings. Bedoya, Zusi, and Davis haven't been inspiring.
You looked a lot better without Altidore, he's just a waste of space.
 

Offside

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2-0 Belgium. Will be a slow game where the US will feel unlucky at the end but just not quite have enough quality.
 

Isotope

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Wow. That is some fecked up streets planning there.
 

Fergie Steps In

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It's no secret that Belgium have better individual talent. However, the US is playing well as a team, while Belgium is not. If Belgium can't sort out their issues and play better as a team, then I think the US will win this one.
 

TheShedEnd

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Belgium could be missing their best player, Kompany, plust Vermaelen.

Jozy Altidore is probably still doubtful though has been doing light training. The US is better with him up top and Dempsey playing the creative role instead of Bradley. I'm interested to see who'll start on the wings. Bedoya, Zusi, and Davis haven't been inspiring.
lol
 

Reddevilboy

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Germany struggled to break down Algeria and had to go to extra-time to win but Belgium came from behind to beat Algeria 2-1 in 90 mins so is it safe to say that Belgium isn't as bad as I thought?
 

RobinLFC

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Germany struggled to break down Algeria and had to go to extra-time to win but Belgium came from behind to beat Algeria 2-1 in 90 mins so is it safe to say that Belgium isn't as bad as I thought?
I don't think you can compare these two games, completely different circumstances.. Early goal, game in the group stages, they had a lead to defend, ... Today they really gave it a go against Germany and they impressed me, I always thought our comeback against them was quite a difficult thing to accomplish against such a team (although we didn't play well).
 

Americano

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Jozy Altidore is probably still doubtful though has been doing light training. The US is better with him up top and Dempsey playing the creative role instead of Bradley.
I agree we're more of a threat with him in the lineup but I worry about sending him out there for what could be 120 minutes plus penalties. Wasting a sub on an unfit player could cause problems. Maybe it's worth the risk for a knockout game?
 

Gannicus

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A really intriguing matchup which is difficult to call. The outrageous talent v the team with a huge heart. There probably isn't on player on USA who would make Belgium's bench but yet Kilinsmann has put a squad together who's capable of beating them.

I wouldn't start Altidore. He's relatively shit but if he's going to be an x-factor it would be coming off the bench rather than as a starter.
 

shadowcat

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The World Cup prediction camel has already predicted a Belgium win only got one score wrong so far in the round of 16, worth a punt on Belgium if anyone is thinking of betting.
 

Organic Potatoes

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I'm having a hard time forming an opinion on this match. My American inclination probably playing a role there.

Starting to think it may be incredibly boring, with only a single goal in it...
 

Redplane

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I'm having a hard time forming an opinion on this match. My American inclination probably playing a role there.

Starting to think it may be incredibly boring, with only a single goal in it...
That's what I'm afraid of. More afraid this will be the game Belgium will actually step it up a notch and show the quality they have other than in the goal but...if Hazard, Mertens, DeBruyne and the lot play at the pace they can..they will overwhelm the US defense. The offensive potency of this Belgium team is greater than Portugal, Ghana and Germany imho. Having said that..they haven't shown me anything yet thus far and frankly have been one of the most boring teams to watch this WC so I hope we kick their asses back to that awesome beer land of theirs.
 
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gooDevil

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Even if the US has some athletes now, we still have never had a high-level technically gifted player in living memory.

Until we have a player with some x-factor it's dull stuff.
 

sincher

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Just can't see the US scoring. Belgium to win, maybe 1-0, maybe after extra time.
 

TheSpaceman

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Not sure what to expect. Belgium has been pretty disappointing so far, which has given a lot of people in the states confidence. Which worries me. We are much better when there is no expectations
 

Offside

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It will be a low scoring game. Belgium may have too much and win 1-0 or something. Will be hard for the American's to break down their defence to be honest.
 
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onemanarmy

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Anticipation is high. Been stressed out all day. We have a much better team then we have shown yet, so I'm still expecting a decent result with good football. Would be happy with a scrappy victory too though. Would be our 2nd best WC result ever!
 

Jammydodger7

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I think USA will win this one, I never had massive expectation for Belguim, but they have been severely disappointing! How they got 9 points I'll never know, although saying that, they've won me quite a bit of money so far! I've backed USA tonight though!
 

onemanarmy

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I think USA will win this one, I never had massive expectation for Belguim, but they have been severely disappointing! How they got 9 points I'll never know, although saying that, they've won me quite a bit of money so far! I've backed USA tonight though!
Well, we had the least shots on goal from the entire competition so far. We only conceded 1 goal, through penalty. If you don't concede, you don't lose :) They must be doing something right!
 

Jammydodger7

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Well, we had the least shots on goal from the entire competition so far. We only conceded 1 goal, through penalty. If you don't concede, you don't lose :) They must be doing something right!
I will admit that the defence has looked great however if you take into account the teams ye have played, a defensive Algerian team, a defensive Russian team and a rubbish Korean team I'm willing to stick with the USA
 

Reddevilboy

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I'd really love the USA to knockout Belgium. They may not have any standout players but they are such a hardworking lot. I think this could be the game where the first group winner doesn't go through.
 

JamieWilkinsonGGMU

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USA USA USA! Dempsey is going to bang tonight. Not sure you could have asked for a better world cup so far, goals, drama, big players putting in big performances etc. I was looking for an extra interest in the matches like fantasy league was during the premier league season when a mate told me he'd been playing this game on Squawka with a similar fantasy element. Its called battlemode, just seen they're giving out £50 amazon gift vouchers for winners so will definitely be playing tonight ... http://battlemode.squawka.com/
 
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