Belgium Knocks U.S. Out Of World Cup In Thriller

U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard had 16 saves, the most in World Cup history, but Belgium was able to break through twice in extra time to knock the United States out of the World Cup.

Tuesday, July 1st 2014, 6:45 pm

By: News 9


Belgium progressed to the World Cup quarterfinals after defeating United States 2-1 after extra time in Salvador.

Belgium might have been ahead as early as the first minute, but Tim Howard got down to make the block when Divock Origi was clean through.

Kevin De Bruyne later missed a glorious chance on 23 minutes, while the U.S. created chances but struggled to really test Thibaut Courtois, and the teams went in level at the break.

In the second half, Origi came close to connecting with a Jan Vertonghen cross before seeing his header clip the crossbar, while Dries Mertens sent a flick just wide of the post.

While the U.S. launched occasional counters, they spent the majority of their time fending off Belgian attacks, but the Red Devils were given an almighty scare when Chris Wondolowski blazed over the crossbar deep into injury time -- although he was, seemingly incorrectly, flagged offside.

Once the match had entered extra time, it did not take long for Belgium to force a lead. Substitute Romelu Lukaku's run into the area set up De Bruyne, who was finally able to beat Howard.

Lukaku, who had endured a difficult tournament, then doubled his team's advantage when played in by De Bruyne, which looked to have ended American hopes.

However, Julian Green pulled a goal back for the U.S. with a fine volley shortly after the restart, and Jurgen Klinsmann's men came back to life as they threatened a stirring comeback.

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