USA vs Belgium Predictions
A fascinating World Cup knockout clash should deliver in the goal markets.
I have my stakes on BTTS, over 2.5 goals and USA to qualify.
Goals Expected in Seattle
- USA have seen BTTS in 4 of their last 6 matches
- USA have scored an average of 2.33 goals per game in their last 6 matches
- USA have seen over 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 11 matches
- Belgium have seen BTTS in 3 of their last 4 matches
- Belgium have scored an average of 2.75 goals per game in their last 8 matches
Belgium Hold H2H Edge
USA and Belgium have met on five previous occasions. The USA won the first meeting 3-0 at the 1930 World Cup, but Belgium have dominated this fixture since then, picking up four victories.
The most recent of those wins was a 5-2 friendly victory just three months ago. Belgium also scored a famous 2-1 World Cup knockout victory in the round of sixteen 12 years ago.
USA Overcome Bosnians
USA come into Monday's knockout clash after securing a deserved 2-0 win against Bosnia & Herzegovina in their round-of-32 contest.
Folarin Balogun grabbed the headlines in Seattle. The Monaco frontman opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, before a controversial red card left the hosts with ten men.
Despite Balogun’s dismissal, the USA extended their advantage through a fine free-kick from Malik Tillman.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side were worthy winners despite playing with one man fewer for much of the second period. The Stars and Stripes registered an xG of 0.88, compared to Bosnia’s 0.25.
After a mixed run of results in the past 12 months, the US have built some momentum at the World Cup. The co-hosts won seven of their last 11 matches, including three of four games in this competition.
Belgium Survive Senegal Scare
Belgium booked their place in the round of 16 after a dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Senegal. Rudi Garcia’s side looked in serious trouble after falling 2-0 behind, but the Red Devils produced a brilliant fightback to keep their tournament alive.
Trailing by two with just four minutes of normal time remaining, Belgium forced extra time through late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans.
Aston Villa midfielder Tielemans then completed the comeback with a controversial VAR-awarded penalty in the 125th minute of a pulsating contest.
Second best for much of the contest, Belgium’s remarkable victory came despite Senegal registering a 3.58 xG total.
Garcia’s men generated just 1.78 xG, but proved clinical when it mattered most.
While fortunate to move into the round of 16, Belgium remain a tough side to beat. The European qualifiers are unbeaten in their last 17 matches.
USA vs Belgium Squads and Team News
USA Squad
Goalkeepers: Matt Turner, Matt Freese, Chris Brady
Defenders: Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Auston Trusty, Miles Robinson, Tim Ream, Alex Freeman, Max Arfsten, Mark McKenzie, Joe Scally
Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Giovanni Reyna, Weston McKennie, Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan, Malik Tillman
Forwards: Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun, Timothy Weah, Alejandro Zendejas
USA boss Mauricio Pochettino has received a major boost with Folarin Balogun now available for selection.
The Monaco striker was initially set to miss the tie through suspension, but FIFA has controversially suspended his red card against Bosnia for one year.
Pochettino welcomed FIFA’s shock decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban on Sunday, reiterating his view that the USA striker’s red card was harsh.
“Everyone that really loves the sport and trusts ethics and integrity, I think we celebrate all that decision,” Pochettino said.
“We were punished enough against Bosnia Herzegovina to play with 10 men for 30 minutes (because of) a decision that was completely unfair. 99.9% of people agree there was an unfair red card.”
On the injury front, Cristian Roldan and Mark McKenzie are doubts with muscle and foot issues, respectively.
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Senne Lammens, Mike Penders
Defenders: Zeno Debast, Arthur Theate, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Thomas Meunier, Koni De Winter, Joaquin Seys, Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy
Midfielders: Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Diego Moreira, Hans Vanaken, Nicolas Raskin, Amadou Onana
Forwards: Romelu Lukaku, Leandro Trossard, Jeremy Doku, Dodi Lukebakio, Charles De Ketelaere, Alexis Saelemaekers, Matias Fernandez-Pardo
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has no major fresh injury concerns reported after the win against Senegal.
All-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku could earn a recall after a goalscoring substitute appearance against Senegal.