2014 World Cup - Round of 16 - Belgium vs USA

Belgium 2 vs USA 1 - "Belgium arrive in unspectacular fashion... we see possible overtime."  The Stars & Stripes did not upset as predicted, but came mighty close. 

Despite the Red Devils peppering the Yanks defense for 38 shots vs 14, had the US ball handling and shooting skills been better, which we have whined about before, they would have advanced.

US goalie Tim Howard was money and had 16 saves, more than any World Cup goalie since such records started being kept in 1966. 


Challenge: Whose record did Howard break?  I dare you to find it on Google.  

As Dr. Zaius said: "Be careful what you look for Taylor, you may not like what you find."  More to come in another post.

The Red Devils had won all 3 of their group games on late goals.  Accordingly, at the end of regulation...

sub striker Wondolowski missed an incredibly easy chance from 5 yds straight on which would come back to haunt the Yanks.

90 scoreless minutes were followed by... Super sub Lukaku's fresh legs leading to DeBruyne lashing a shot past Howard from close range at 103'. Lukaku seemingly finished the issue with a goal of his own 2 minutes later at 105'.

15 minutes to go, 2-0 Red Devils, its over, not so fast Joe...  sub striker Julian Green provided some excitement and hope with a smooth volley into the net at 107' and the onslaught ensued...

Jones blasted one over the net, a header went astray, at the end of a beautiful free kick, Dempsey had his shot from 5 yds out smothered in front of the goal.  

Easy opportunities to win in regulation and send it to a shootout had been squandered as Belgium move on to face Argentina.

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