The message has been clear and consistent: The U.S. team is not content with escaping the Group Of Death at the 2014 World Cup and doesn't plan on leaving Brazil any time soon. The U.S. will have a chance to earn just its third trip to the World Cup quarterfinals when it takes on Belgium in a win-and-advance Round of 16 matchup at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador on Tuesday.
"We are not just satisfied with just getting to the Round of 16; we want to do more," U.S. striker Clint Dempsey said during a press conference on the eve of the match. "It’s a difficult challenge playing against Belgium, they have a lot of quality players, but at the same time, I think that if we play to the best of our ability, we can get the right result."
USA vs. Belgium
WHERE: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
TIME: 4 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN, Univision
The U.S. emerged from the formidable Group G as the runner-up while Belgium advanced into the knockout round as the top team in Group H. Belgium, the second-youngest team at the World Cup, fields a lineup stocked with skillful players starring at clubs across Europe. Undefeated in Group H, Belgium's inexperience and talent were both on full display in wins over Algeria, Russia and South Korea. In all three of its group-stage matches, Belgium initially struggled to break down its opponents but secured wins with late goals. All four of Belgium's group-stage goals came in the 70th minute or later.
In a knockout round game that could stretch into extra time, Belgium's penchant for late heroics could certainly come into play yet again. Despite his opponent's unblemished record in Brazil and daunting lineup that includes Eden Hazard, U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann seemed at least as concerned with the referee that FIFA assigned to the match as he was with his squad's ability to compete.
"We worked hard for this moment," Klinsmann said during his media availability on Monday. "We made it through a very difficult group and now we want more. We are very, very hungry and focused and have a lot of respect for the Belgium side, as Clint said, but no fear at all."
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