Belgium vs USA: Latest news, likely line-ups and prediction

Nathan Williams 18:15 01/07/2014
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  • Star man: Eden Hazard (l) is yet to make a substantial impact on this year's World Cup.

    Belgium star Eden Hazard is desperate to emulate the heroics of Colombian World Cup star James Rodriguez and lead his team into the tournament’s last four.

    The Chelsea winger admits he has yet to hit top form as Belgium safely negotiated the group stages to set up tonight’s last-16 tie with the United States.

    And with tournament top-scorer Rodriguez grabbing headlines with his fabulous double against Uruguay on Saturday night, Hazard said he was itching to play a decisive role for the Red Devils.

    “I think that each match I’ve given my maximum,” he said. “Since the start of the World Cup I haven’t had a great match with good moves.

    “I haven’t had a performance that could be decisive for our team. So I hope I can do that and have a good match. I would really like it if I can get around the pitch more and see more of the ball – and make a difference, basically.”

    Hazard had been tipped to become one of the World Cup’s brightest stars but has found himself tightly marked in Belgium’s group wins against Algeria and Russia.

    He provided two vital assists, but is yet to get on the scoresheet.

    Hazard nearly opened his account after coming on in the final minutes of the 1-0 victory over South Korea, but saw an angled shot palmed away by goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu.

    Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said he is still waiting for Hazard to “take hold of a match” and had discussed the problem with the 23-year-old.

    Rodriguez scored three times in group play and he blasted Colombia into the last eight, first with a superb volley and then by finishing a team move to seal the 2-0 win over Uruguay.

    Asked if Rodriguez had been the star of the tournament so far, Hazard replied: “I think he has, his statistics are the best and he showed that he can carry a team.

    “We thought it would be difficult for Colombia without (injured striker Radamel) Falcao. But he scored two superb goals. He played a super-good match. I knew who he was but most people didn’t know much about Colombia.”

    Despite his subdued start, Hazard spelled out his determination to improve and help his team progress.

    Speaking from Belgium’s training base in Mogi das Cruzes, near Sao Paulo, he also insisted he is ready to take a penalty should tonight’s knockout encounter need a shootout to settle it.

    “I hope it doesn’t happen, because we’ll all feel the pressure. But if we have to take them, I prefer to go last,” he added.

    “In qualifying it’s easier because you have more matches. Now we’ve arrived at the stage where if you lose, you’re out.

    “It’s multiplied by 10. One mistake and that could be it.”

    LIKELY LINE-UPS

    Belgium (4-2-3-1)
    Courtois; Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen; Fellaini, Witsel; Mertens, De Bruyne, Hazard; Origi

    USA (4-3-3)
    Howard; Johnson, Gonzalez, Besler, Beasley; Jones, Beckerman, Bradley; Dempsey, Altidore, Zusi

    PREDICTION

    The US have caused everyone issues and can get at Belgium but quality will prevail. 2-1 to the Rode Duivels.

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