US Aims To End 24 Year World Cup Quarterfinal Wait

India-West News Desk

SEATTLE, WA – The United States stand one win away from their first FIFA World Cup quarterfinal appearance in 24 years as they prepare to face Belgium in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash in Seattle.

History is firmly on Belgium’s side. The Red Devils have won six of the seven meetings between the two nations, with the Americans’ only victory coming at the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930, when they claimed a 3-0 triumph. Their last World Cup encounter remains a painful memory for the United States, who fell 2-1 after extra time in the Round of 16 in Brazil in 2014.

The Americans received a huge boost ahead of the knockout showdown after FIFA overturned the red card shown to striker Folarin Balogun during the 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. USA coach Mauricio Pochettino insisted the dismissal was unjust, and the decision means Balogun, the team’s leading scorer with three goals, will be available for one of the biggest matches of the tournament.

Confidence is high in the US camp after another convincing display in the previous round. Belgium, meanwhile, had to dig deep to survive a thrilling contest against Senegal. Trailing 2-0, the Red Devils struck twice in stoppage time before midfielder Youri Tielemans calmly converted a penalty in the 125th minute to complete an extraordinary comeback and book their place in the last 16.

For the United States, the stakes could hardly be higher. This is their seventh appearance in the Round of 16, but only once before have they gone further, defeating Mexico to reach the quarterfinals in 2002. Another victory would equal that achievement and mark the country’s deepest World Cup run in nearly a quarter century.

The Americans have been one of the tournament’s most entertaining attacking teams, scoring at least two goals in every match. In doing so, they became the first nation from outside Europe or South America to score two or more goals in four consecutive World Cup matches. Belgium arrive with an unbeaten record of two wins and two draws, setting the stage for a meeting between two confident sides with contrasting paths to the knockout stage.

With Balogun back to lead the line, Christian Pulisic pulling the strings in attack and Tyler Adams anchoring midfield, the United States will believe they have the firepower to challenge one of Europe’s traditional powers. Belgium, led by the creative brilliance of Kevin De Bruyne, the finishing instincts of Romelu Lukaku and the attacking flair of Leandro Trossard, will be equally determined to keep their World Cup dream alive.

(IANS)