Day 20 - USA v Belgium

Pre-Match Thoughts
It seems the Americans have got a bit excited about this World Cup, with the pre-match guff I'm watching featuring the likes of Barry Obama and Hulk Hogan (who seems to think they're playing Germany?) offering words of encouragement. They seem very confident, in any case.

And against Belgium, they certainly have a chance. Tim Howard is a solid goalkeeper, Michael Bradley holds the midfield well enough and Clint Dempsey is always capable of scoring. Their main strength comes from having Jurgen Klinnsman as coach - he's brought a German efficiency (ah, sweet cliché) to their game.

Belgium won all three of their games, despite never looking impressive, and they'll look to Eden Hazard to be their playmaker with Fellani being the plan B (ie hoof it long). I'm going for a 1-1 draw here, with the winners on penalty being your guess as good as mine.

First Half
Open stuff from both teams, though the only clear cut chance came in the opening seconds, with Tim Howard having to make a decent team. Either team could get the opener here, though Belgium still look the most likely.

Second Half
A second half of wasted chances, mainly from Belgium though credit has to go to Tim Howard for keeping his nerve. The Americans haven't tested the opposite keeper much, though in the last moments it seemed for a microsecond that the US would win it. But a virtual open goal was somehow missed, sparing blushes. Doubly so, as the flag was raised incorrectly.

No goals, and extra time again!

Extra Goals
Ah, precious goals. Like last night, the deadlock was broken early in ET, with Belgium getting the opener. Roman Lukaku, who has done next to nothing all tournament until being brought off the bench today, then smashed home a fine finish to make it appear game over as we headed into the second 15 minutes.

At which point, the Shermans, like in any cheesy Hollywood flick, got a surge of energy that resulted in a goal. The Belgians panicked and nearly conceded another a minute later, Jermaine Jones going just wide. A crafty American free kick routine needed a good save.

Perhaps that used up the last of the juice. They didn't get close again, leaving Belgium to go forward.

Result
Belgium win 2-1 and will face Argentina.

Lost Hope
Of United selling Fellani after a somewhat useless showing. Wither Adnan?