Belgium and USA clash today at 4 p.m. in a win or go home round of 16 World Cup match. Belgium is beat up on the defensive side and the USMNT is at full strength as Jozy Altidore was declared “ready and available.”
Can the USA grab an unlikely win against powerhouse Belgium?
A few concerns on the Belgium national team are center back’s Thomas Vermaelen and Vincent Kompany. Head coach Marc Wilmots told reporters that their injuries are definitely something to worry about.
“Thomas … has not enough time to be fit by tomorrow. He will be fit if we make the quarterfinals. He will return to full squad training in a day or two. Marouane is fine, no problem.”
If Belgium does make it to the quarter-finals, Thomas Vermaelen should be fit to play. However, he will not play against the USMNT. Marouane Fellaini, on the other hand, is fine and has recovered from his thigh injury according to coach Wilmots.
When asked about captain Vincent Kompany, Wilmots was doubtful of his recovery process.
“I don’t know about Vincent and whether he will be fit,” said Wilmots. “We will see how it evolves.”
“Kompany has to be at 100 percent,” Wilmots continued. “If not, there are other solutions. We can’t just think about this match, but also long-term. We’ll make the best decision.”
The USMNT are back at 100 percent with Jozy Altidore available and ready. Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann told reporters he was unsure if Altidore will play or not but is excited to have him back.
“We don’t know how much [he will play] because we need to see how he’s going, but he’s available.”
When asked how many minutes he could see in today’s game, Klinsmann replied:
“How many minutes? We will see that during the game. Just having him with us tomorrow is huge.”
Projected Lineups:
Belgium …
Goalkeeper: Courtois
Defense: Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Lombaerts, Vertonghen
Midfield: Hazard, Witsel, Fellaini, Mertens, De Bruyne
Forward: Lukaku
Unites States …
Goalkeeper: Howard
Defense: Johnson, Gonzalez, Besler, Beasley
Midfield: Bradley, Beckerman, Jones, Dempsey, Zusi
Forward: Altidore
