Tuesday 01/07/2014, 22:00, World Cup Last 16, Belgium vs USA

Belgium vs USA Betting Preview

Belgium showed extreme resilience in the group stage and won all three games by a single goal, scoring each time in the final minutes of the match. Those who expected them to put their formidable offensive to good use and steamroll past rather mediocre opponents, were slightly disappointed. What matters now is that they won the group with maximum points and they will be playing against the United States in the first elimination round.

Belgium vs USA Betting Odds

At Bet365

Belgium 1.85, Draw 3.60, USA 4.70

Belgium vs USA Betting Tips

Once again, the Belgians are expected to win fairly easy, as they have one of the best offensives of all teams present at the World Cup. Mirallas, Lukaku and Hazard will to play together once again, even though none of them performed at the expected level.

Lukaku was replaced in every match after failing to score, but it is only fair to assume that he will be given another chance to prove his worth. Hazard was the best of the three so far, with Mirallas providing the edge against stiff opponents, but he will need to step up his game if he is score against the USA.

The Americans won a single match in the group stage, but that sole victory was enough to see them through and Dempsey is the one who deserves all the credit. The striker scored the opening goal against Ghana in the first minute of play and that narrow advantage proved to be decisive. An aggressive defense and goals scored from outside the box kept the United States alive in this highly competitive group.

The biggest problem for the Americans is that they have very few options up front, with Landon Donovan being left home and Altidore suffering a tournament ending injury in the opening game. Basically, it will be up to Dempsey to score most of the goals against Belgium, which has all of the best defenses at the World Cup.

Key Facts

• Belgium won twice by 1-0 and allowed a single goal from a penalty, so they have a decent chance at keeping a clean sheet against United States

Belgium vs USA Betting Odds Prediction

Belgium got lucky as they don't need to face Portugal in the elimination round, but they shouldn't underestimate the Americans. Counting on another late goal would be a mistake and the correct approach is with the Europeans coming out firing on all cylinders. Against teams that pressured them, the United States had a hard time defending and they are very likely to succumb to the likes of Lukaku, Mirallas and Hazard. Odds of 1.85 for Belgium to win are not spectacular, but accurately reflect the difference between the two teams.

Bet: Belgium @ 1.85 with Bet365