Hosts United States face Belgium in World Cup last 16 as Balogun misses out
The United States, buoyed by a near-perfect group stage, take on a Belgium side still buzzing from a dramatic comeback against Senegal in Monday's round of 16.
American momentum meets Belgian resilience
The United States enter the last-16 tie on home soil with confidence after topping Group D. Wins over Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0), plus a rotated-side defeat to Turkey, set up a 2-0 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32. That match, however, cost them striker Folarin Balogun to a red card. The Monaco forward, with three goals already, is suspended; Ricardo Pepi is expected to lead the line.
Belgium's path has been less serene. A 3-2 win over Senegal on Wednesday, secured with a flurry of late goals, has given the squad a jolt. Dodi Lukebakio called it "a boost" and pointed to the 2-5 friendly win over the US in March as a reference point, though he cautioned that the Americans have grown since.
It's a team that has grown since that friendly. It will undoubtedly be a difficult opponent to handle. But that match against Senegal gave us an extra boost. We approach this match with more confidence.
Balogun's absence and tactical edges
Axel Witsel, yet to play a minute at the tournament, revealed he advised coach Rudi Garcia during the Senegal match to press higher. The veteran midfielder sees Balogun's suspension as "a positive point for us" and noted that the US back three are not the quickest, suggesting Belgium can hurt them in behind.
They are going to put a lot of intensity, they will surely come and press us high. We can really hurt them in depth, in behind their defence. They are not the fastest at the back.
Hostile crowd as fuel
Maxim De Cuyper expects a stadium fully against Belgium but believes the group's experience in big European atmospheres will help. He described the tie as "50/50" and said the team has already discussed penalty takers, with the 25-year-old volunteering.
Having the whole stadium against you can also give you a boost. If you manage to silence them, it gives a great feeling for what follows. The most important thing is to know that we can put them in difficulty.
Echoes of 2014
This is a repeat of the 2014 round of 16, which Belgium won 2-1 after extra time. Witsel, who played that day, recalled it as "a crazy match" that left him "carbonised". He expects the same intensity, though the setting in the US will be different. Belgium are aiming to avoid another slow start and to impose their principles rather than adapt entirely to the American 3-4-3.
