BELGIUM V USA

0' Final match of the opening round, and its the USA who attempts to become the only group runner up to advance to the quarterfinals. In 7 previous matches, the group winners moving through, but only barely, as no one putting together a dominant win. The European teams perhaps underwhelming, but not any more so than Brasil or Argentina. The last time these two teams met in the world cup, it was a 3-0 victory for the US in the group stages of the 1930 cup.

15' USA coming out a bit nervously, and its Belgium with all of the early offensive chances, and forcing the USA to defend. Belgium finding space, and the USA will have to make their counterattacks count moving forward, or find a way to settle down in midfield and maintain possession, which is something they have not been able to do for stretches thus far.

30' Belgium keeping the pressure on the US, but the US with two excellent chances on the counterattack. However, they look increasingly vulnerable in defense, and it almost feels as if its just a matter of time until Belgium can find the back of the net. The US still unable to maintain possession for stretches, and are allowing Belgium to control the midfield.

45' Well its still all square at the half. The US holding Belgium, and perhaps lulling them a bit to sleep. Belgium with some extremely sloppy play. Not a single European team has scored in the first half of their round of 16 match, but all but Switzerland were able to add goals in the second half. Important halftime talks for both teams, and both will look to come out and play a stronger second half.

60' The USA holding on by a wing and a prayer. The Belgian attack finding all kinds of space and opportunities, but they're just unable to find the goal so far, with several shots going just inches wide of the mark. The USA with one or two counter attacking opportunities, but unable to finish, and they'll have to capitalize on one of their chances quickly, as the Belgians look sure to score.

75' Tim Howard single handedly keeping the USA in this match, coming up with brilliant save after save. The Belgians finding all kinds of space in the USA defense though, and the USA unable to hold on to the ball at all.

90' The USA survive to extra time, and the Belgians will be frustrated not to have already won. The USA with a few chances at the end of the match, and nearly score a belgian heartbreaker. Tim Howard and his defense will need their rest, and he has been absolutely phenomenal tonight.

93' Belgium finally able to find the back of the net. Its a mistake giving up the ball in midfield by the USA, and the initial run and cross into the box is blocked, but the rebound is collected and after creating a little bit of free space is slotted into the far post just past Howard. The USA with a bit of dejavu as their 2010 World cup saw an extra time goal in the 93' minute see them out in the Round of 16. They'll look to improve on that, and they still have half an hour to find an equaliser.

105' Well its another for Belgium. Its a counterattacking opportunity that the US are unable to come back against. Its a good pass in and a great finish by Lukaku right into the near post to beat Tim Howard. Its a beautiful goal, and surely that'll be enough to see Belgium through against Argentina.

106' Well Julian Green who comes on in before the second extra time finishes beautifully on a gorgeous pass by Bradley and its an absolutely brilliant goal, and the USA feel they are right back in this. 13 more minutes to find a second goal, and Julian Green will be nothing but smiles right now, as that was one of the goals of the tournament. Minutes later its nearly the equaliser from Jermaine Jones, as he punches a ball just inches wide. USA suddenly full of energy in the attacking half.

114' The US inches away from the equaliser again. Its a little bit of trickery on a free kick that finds Dempsey in on goal but the keeper able to keep it out. Belgium squarely on their heels now, and the US with pressing attack and can nearly smell their second goal.

Final' Belgium going through, and deservedly so. They had the better of the chances, but perhaps feeling lucky in stoppage time after a very unlucky regular time. Time Howard with one of the performances of the tournament, and Julian Green with one of the goals of the tournament, but simply not enough today. Belgium earn the right to play Argentina, but they'll have to improve and figure out how to find goals if they want to see a spot in the Semis.