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| USA v Belgium: player ratings | |
| (about 5 hours later) | |
| Jürgen Klinsmann rang the changes yet again for the Belgium game — bringing back Geoff Cameron into the base of a 4-3-3, at the expense of Kyle Beckerman, while electing not to risk Jozy Altidore from the start of the game. It was another experiment designed to counter a similar Belgium formation, and perhaps to add some more defensive midfield cover against Eden Hazard in particular, when Fabian Johnson made his anticipated runs forward from the USA defense. | Jürgen Klinsmann rang the changes yet again for the Belgium game — bringing back Geoff Cameron into the base of a 4-3-3, at the expense of Kyle Beckerman, while electing not to risk Jozy Altidore from the start of the game. It was another experiment designed to counter a similar Belgium formation, and perhaps to add some more defensive midfield cover against Eden Hazard in particular, when Fabian Johnson made his anticipated runs forward from the USA defense. |
| In the event Johnson was forced out early, though his replacement DeAndre Yedlin tried to pick up the attacking baton. But it was a long, long night defensively for the USA, at least until they finally came out of their shell when chasing the game to within inches of one of an astonishing comeback. Too much for them in the end. But how did they do individually? | In the event Johnson was forced out early, though his replacement DeAndre Yedlin tried to pick up the attacking baton. But it was a long, long night defensively for the USA, at least until they finally came out of their shell when chasing the game to within inches of one of an astonishing comeback. Too much for them in the end. But how did they do individually? |
| Tim Howard 9/10: Having kept the US in contention with some acrobatic stops in the tournament so far, Howard expected to be busy from the first whistle, with the USA being traditional slow starters (Dempsey goal vs Ghana aside). He was — having to block a first minute Origi effort with his legs after a giveaway upfield, and thereafter kept busy by USA's struggles to maintain possession. Made another fantastic save with his legs from Origi in the second half, then moments later did even better to deny his team mate Mirallas on a one-on-one break minutes later. Hard to pick individual examples though, because as the second half wore on it became clear we were seeing one of the great World Cup goalkeeping displays, as he made 16 saves en route to matching a World Cup record going back to 1966. Little he could do on Belgium's goals. | Tim Howard 9/10: Having kept the US in contention with some acrobatic stops in the tournament so far, Howard expected to be busy from the first whistle, with the USA being traditional slow starters (Dempsey goal vs Ghana aside). He was — having to block a first minute Origi effort with his legs after a giveaway upfield, and thereafter kept busy by USA's struggles to maintain possession. Made another fantastic save with his legs from Origi in the second half, then moments later did even better to deny his team mate Mirallas on a one-on-one break minutes later. Hard to pick individual examples though, because as the second half wore on it became clear we were seeing one of the great World Cup goalkeeping displays, as he made 16 saves en route to matching a World Cup record going back to 1966. Little he could do on Belgium's goals. |
| DaMarcus Beasley 7/10: Beasley was quietly one of the performers of the group stages. Though repeatedly isolated down the flanks by opponents who targeted his side, he was rarely beaten to the byline and had one of the highest pass completion rates in playing himself out of trouble, often with little assistance from his midfielders. Pushed higher against Belgium's lack of natural width in defense, but needed in defense too — as in his 26th minute clearance off the line as Belgium threatened again. Stretched when Mirallas entered the game, but as always, stuck manfully to his task. | DaMarcus Beasley 7/10: Beasley was quietly one of the performers of the group stages. Though repeatedly isolated down the flanks by opponents who targeted his side, he was rarely beaten to the byline and had one of the highest pass completion rates in playing himself out of trouble, often with little assistance from his midfielders. Pushed higher against Belgium's lack of natural width in defense, but needed in defense too — as in his 26th minute clearance off the line as Belgium threatened again. Stretched when Mirallas entered the game, but as always, stuck manfully to his task. |
| Matt Besler 7/10: Besler’s solidity is his unique selling point, especially when compared to the lapses in concentration that can affect Omar Gonzalez or Geoff Cameron alongside him at the heart of defense. He duly made a couple of decent clearances from Belgian balls into the box from out wide in the first half. In fact the deliveries from the wide area the USA had been vulnerable to in group games, were mostly dealt with effectively by the starting pair. But a 54th minute drive across the face of goal from Vertonghen almost left him blushing as he swung and missed at the clearance, just as Gonzalez had done early against Germany. That was the exception though — an excellent late block on van Buyten was more typical of his night. Sadly for him he was overpowered by Lukaku in the build up to Belgium taking the lead, and couldn't recover in time to stop De Bruyne's finish across Howard. | Matt Besler 7/10: Besler’s solidity is his unique selling point, especially when compared to the lapses in concentration that can affect Omar Gonzalez or Geoff Cameron alongside him at the heart of defense. He duly made a couple of decent clearances from Belgian balls into the box from out wide in the first half. In fact the deliveries from the wide area the USA had been vulnerable to in group games, were mostly dealt with effectively by the starting pair. But a 54th minute drive across the face of goal from Vertonghen almost left him blushing as he swung and missed at the clearance, just as Gonzalez had done early against Germany. That was the exception though — an excellent late block on van Buyten was more typical of his night. Sadly for him he was overpowered by Lukaku in the build up to Belgium taking the lead, and couldn't recover in time to stop De Bruyne's finish across Howard. |
| Omar Gonzalez 8/10: Gonzalez recovered well from a shaky start in the final group game to more than justify being brought in to replace Geoff Cameron (after his misadventures against Portugal). He kept his place in the center of defense to face Belgium, with Cameron moved into the base of a 4-3-3. As always with Gonzalez it seems, some unsure touches come with the territory, but along with Besler did more than his part to keep the threat from Belgian crosses down, and as the game went on he grew into a big performance, offering some sterling defending as the USA soaked up pressure in the second half, and taking the limited chances to step up when the Belgians tired late. | Omar Gonzalez 8/10: Gonzalez recovered well from a shaky start in the final group game to more than justify being brought in to replace Geoff Cameron (after his misadventures against Portugal). He kept his place in the center of defense to face Belgium, with Cameron moved into the base of a 4-3-3. As always with Gonzalez it seems, some unsure touches come with the territory, but along with Besler did more than his part to keep the threat from Belgian crosses down, and as the game went on he grew into a big performance, offering some sterling defending as the USA soaked up pressure in the second half, and taking the limited chances to step up when the Belgians tired late. |
| Fabian Johnson 5/10: The marauding full back has been one of the most visible US performers in the tournament so far, though always with slight anxieties about some liabilities on the defensive side. Undone by Belgium's attacking movement early as they got behind him to cause problems, with one Vertonghen overlap almost forcing a goal. Pulled up after half an hour with the same left hamstring strain that's kept Altidore out for most of the tournament. | Fabian Johnson 5/10: The marauding full back has been one of the most visible US performers in the tournament so far, though always with slight anxieties about some liabilities on the defensive side. Undone by Belgium's attacking movement early as they got behind him to cause problems, with one Vertonghen overlap almost forcing a goal. Pulled up after half an hour with the same left hamstring strain that's kept Altidore out for most of the tournament. |
| Jermaine Jones 7/10: Picked up the obligatory broken nose his blood and thunder tournament had demanded in the game against Germany and came into the Belgium game on a yellow card. Was put under pressure by physical Belgium side early, and appeared more in his defensive-battling mode than his offensive-threat mode, until driving a shot wide from a 34th minute set piece. Not the emphatic influence he'd been in earlier games, but a perfect flick for Wondolowski late in normal time, should have been the assist for a smash-and-grab victory. And from there Jones grew in influence again — almost flicked home a dramatic equalizer seconds after Green's goal, and epitomizing a USA side whose fitness told in their running in extra time. | Jermaine Jones 7/10: Picked up the obligatory broken nose his blood and thunder tournament had demanded in the game against Germany and came into the Belgium game on a yellow card. Was put under pressure by physical Belgium side early, and appeared more in his defensive-battling mode than his offensive-threat mode, until driving a shot wide from a 34th minute set piece. Not the emphatic influence he'd been in earlier games, but a perfect flick for Wondolowski late in normal time, should have been the assist for a smash-and-grab victory. And from there Jones grew in influence again — almost flicked home a dramatic equalizer seconds after Green's goal, and epitomizing a USA side whose fitness told in their running in extra time. |
| Geoff Cameron 6/10: Culpability on two Portugal goals had seen Cameron dropped by Klinsmann for the final group game. Lesson learned apparently, as Cameron was brought back into the fold to face Belgium, though in a defensive midfield position. Added some physicality there, as well as some necessary height on set pieces where the USA were outmatched. A little uncertain on some early clearances, but also made some important interventions with Gonzalez out of position. One of those interventions caused him to pick up an early yellow, but he mostly settled, even if his distribution was erratic at times. | Geoff Cameron 6/10: Culpability on two Portugal goals had seen Cameron dropped by Klinsmann for the final group game. Lesson learned apparently, as Cameron was brought back into the fold to face Belgium, though in a defensive midfield position. Added some physicality there, as well as some necessary height on set pieces where the USA were outmatched. A little uncertain on some early clearances, but also made some important interventions with Gonzalez out of position. One of those interventions caused him to pick up an early yellow, but he mostly settled, even if his distribution was erratic at times. |
| Michael Bradley 7/10: The man who’d run further than any other player in the World Cup by the end of the group stages had nonetheless seen a dip in his personal reputation, after some poor touches and a high profile late giveaway against Portugal had countered the subtler impression of his movement and tenacity. Needed a big game against Belgium, but the first impression was yet another loose ball forward as he tried to find Dempsey. Settled to grow in influence as first half went on, and was in his usual constant motion. Made one great 60 yard recovery run to thwart the dangerous Mirallas in the 80th minute, that was the start of the Bradley renaissance. In extra-time began to look more like the tempo-setting player he can be, even as his team fell behind. Lovely chip behind the defense on Green's goal, and almost sprung the defense with a clever free kick to play in Dempsey with time running out. Kept running and probing to the end, for some personal redemption at a quiet World Cup. | Michael Bradley 7/10: The man who’d run further than any other player in the World Cup by the end of the group stages had nonetheless seen a dip in his personal reputation, after some poor touches and a high profile late giveaway against Portugal had countered the subtler impression of his movement and tenacity. Needed a big game against Belgium, but the first impression was yet another loose ball forward as he tried to find Dempsey. Settled to grow in influence as first half went on, and was in his usual constant motion. Made one great 60 yard recovery run to thwart the dangerous Mirallas in the 80th minute, that was the start of the Bradley renaissance. In extra-time began to look more like the tempo-setting player he can be, even as his team fell behind. Lovely chip behind the defense on Green's goal, and almost sprung the defense with a clever free kick to play in Dempsey with time running out. Kept running and probing to the end, for some personal redemption at a quiet World Cup. |
| Graham Zusi 6/10: Introduced as a sub vs Ghana, Zusi’s corner saw fellow sub John Brooks grab the winner, and Zusi grab a starting spot. Since that game though, his normally reliable set pieces had fallen off a little, but his ability to play both sides of the ball had kept him on the bubble. Against Belgium, a big error went unpunished in first half when he was robbed in the center circle and Belgium had men over, and his touch generally looked uncertain in the opening 45, though at least he was in the game, unlike Bedoya. Did help support the inexperienced Yedlin in defense after Johnson went off, but also missed a presentable shooting chance on the edge of the box towards the end of the first half, and his skewed shot just before the hour represented one of the few chances the USA had in the second 45 minutes. Subbed out for Wondolowski in the 72nd min. | Graham Zusi 6/10: Introduced as a sub vs Ghana, Zusi’s corner saw fellow sub John Brooks grab the winner, and Zusi grab a starting spot. Since that game though, his normally reliable set pieces had fallen off a little, but his ability to play both sides of the ball had kept him on the bubble. Against Belgium, a big error went unpunished in first half when he was robbed in the center circle and Belgium had men over, and his touch generally looked uncertain in the opening 45, though at least he was in the game, unlike Bedoya. Did help support the inexperienced Yedlin in defense after Johnson went off, but also missed a presentable shooting chance on the edge of the box towards the end of the first half, and his skewed shot just before the hour represented one of the few chances the USA had in the second 45 minutes. Subbed out for Wondolowski in the 72nd min. |
| Clint Dempsey 6/10: Less effective against Germany than he had been in leading the line alone against Portugal, Dempsey didn't get a lot to look at early, as the US struggled to retain possession, but in the 21st minute he and Bradley improvised a half chance together running at the center of defense, that saw Dempsey at least test Courtois. With USA on the rack for long stretches, Dempsey's lack of natural ability as a hold-up man was apparent, with his side struggling to hold possession. Had a couple of shots from distance as the second half went on, and Wondolowski bought him a little more time and space deeper. Had a couple of half-chances, but his final touch on a beautifully worked extra-time free kick was smothered by Courtois. | Clint Dempsey 6/10: Less effective against Germany than he had been in leading the line alone against Portugal, Dempsey didn't get a lot to look at early, as the US struggled to retain possession, but in the 21st minute he and Bradley improvised a half chance together running at the center of defense, that saw Dempsey at least test Courtois. With USA on the rack for long stretches, Dempsey's lack of natural ability as a hold-up man was apparent, with his side struggling to hold possession. Had a couple of shots from distance as the second half went on, and Wondolowski bought him a little more time and space deeper. Had a couple of half-chances, but his final touch on a beautifully worked extra-time free kick was smothered by Courtois. |
| Alejandro Bedoya 5/10: A late sub against Germany after looking hampered in his movement in a couple of earlier games, Bedoya returned to the starting line up but started quietly again, as the Belgians passed through and round the USA midfield. He wasn't particularly effective in defense and struggled to find the game, with his hip injury perhaps still hampering him. Had one surging run towards the end of normal time, but it petered out in the Belgian box as Vincent Company bundled him off the ball comfortably. Actually looked brighter in extra time but was withdrawn for Green just before the second period. | Alejandro Bedoya 5/10: A late sub against Germany after looking hampered in his movement in a couple of earlier games, Bedoya returned to the starting line up but started quietly again, as the Belgians passed through and round the USA midfield. He wasn't particularly effective in defense and struggled to find the game, with his hip injury perhaps still hampering him. Had one surging run towards the end of normal time, but it petered out in the Belgian box as Vincent Company bundled him off the ball comfortably. Actually looked brighter in extra time but was withdrawn for Green just before the second period. |
| SUBS: | SUBS: |
| DeAndre Yedlin 8/10 (on for Fabian Johnson 32'): Instantly demonstrated his attacking instincts when he came on, by running forward and earning a corner, and thereafter began to get after the space behind Hazard that left Vertonghen exposed down the right. Caught out going forwards on occasion, but his speed got him out of trouble, and represented one of the USA's few attacking threats when he got on the ball. Asked a fair amount of those covering behind him, but on the evidence of this World Cup he looks to have a glowing future. | DeAndre Yedlin 8/10 (on for Fabian Johnson 32'): Instantly demonstrated his attacking instincts when he came on, by running forward and earning a corner, and thereafter began to get after the space behind Hazard that left Vertonghen exposed down the right. Caught out going forwards on occasion, but his speed got him out of trouble, and represented one of the USA's few attacking threats when he got on the ball. Asked a fair amount of those covering behind him, but on the evidence of this World Cup he looks to have a glowing future. |
| Chris Wondolowski 5/10 (on for Graham Zusi 72'): The poacher was introduced for Zusi in the 72nd minute and prompted a slight USA reshuffle that freed Dempsey up a little more to drop deeper and have less hold up duties. Willing runner as always, though with no big man to play off, had to do a lot of unglamorous work with little sight of goal. When it did come, in the last minute of injury time, after a perfect flick on from Jones, he scooped the ball over the bar from six yards with the chance to steal the game for the USA. You suspect that miss will be repeatedly referenced in US soccer folklore in years to come. | Chris Wondolowski 5/10 (on for Graham Zusi 72'): The poacher was introduced for Zusi in the 72nd minute and prompted a slight USA reshuffle that freed Dempsey up a little more to drop deeper and have less hold up duties. Willing runner as always, though with no big man to play off, had to do a lot of unglamorous work with little sight of goal. When it did come, in the last minute of injury time, after a perfect flick on from Jones, he scooped the ball over the bar from six yards with the chance to steal the game for the USA. You suspect that miss will be repeatedly referenced in US soccer folklore in years to come. |
| Julian Green 7/10 (on for Alejandro Bedoya 107'): Not a bad first touch in a World Cup then... With the USA 2-0 down when Green entered, he didn't look like he'd have much time to make an impact. Then Bradley looked up, chipped a perfect ball forward, and Green, having made a slashing run behind the defense, hooked home to score the first goal Belgium have conceded in open play, and mark the most dramatic of World Cup debuts. Looked understandably confident thereafter. | Julian Green 7/10 (on for Alejandro Bedoya 107'): Not a bad first touch in a World Cup then... With the USA 2-0 down when Green entered, he didn't look like he'd have much time to make an impact. Then Bradley looked up, chipped a perfect ball forward, and Green, having made a slashing run behind the defense, hooked home to score the first goal Belgium have conceded in open play, and mark the most dramatic of World Cup debuts. Looked understandably confident thereafter. |
| US squad: | US squad: |
| GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)DEFENDERS (8): DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Timmy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC)MIDFIELDERS (8): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Julian Green (Bayern Munich), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)FORWARDS (4): Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes) | GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)DEFENDERS (8): DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Timmy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC)MIDFIELDERS (8): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Julian Green (Bayern Munich), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)FORWARDS (4): Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes) |