World Cup 2014: U.S. braces for Belgium in knockout stage clash [4pm EDT]

WP ^ | June 30, 2014 | Steven Goff

[kevkrom]

USA: Howard, Gonzalez, Bradley, Besler, Beasley, Dempsey (c), Bedoya, Jones, Zusi, Cameron, Johnson

BEL: Courtois, Alderweireld, Kompany (c), Vertonghen, Witsel, De Bruyne, Fellaini, Hazard, Mertens, Van Buyten, Origi

Obviously not in formation order.

[mikrofon]

If nothing else, US-Belgium has to be more interesting than the first match… I had to turn that off awhile ago. Not surprised that Argentina came out on top – at least it didn't come down to penalties.

[kevkrom]

Note: no Beckerman or Altidore for USA.

[shotgun]

How do they figure odds in soccer? 0-0 score 1:1, any tied score 2:1, any score at all 3:1, over 0, under 1

I’m cracking myself up. More scoring would mean more fans. Sorry but I just can’t get in to the whole hype but I still want USA to win

[1rudeboy]

Just let the bookies figure the odds. I do. :)

And just let the networks hype, it's their job. Go USA!

[SeaHawkFan]

The first match was proof you don’t need a lot of scoring to have an exciting match. Switzerland played very well and could have easily won.

[IronJack]

Is the match underway?

[1rudeboy]

Starts in about 7-8 minutes.

[LuvFreeRepublic]

Enjoy the game, soccer fans.

[nascarnation]

LOL you must really be old.
I’m 66 and played club soccer in college.
I put it in the category of “fun to play but deadly boring to watch”

[Colonel_Flagg]

All rise. Let’s get it done!

[LuvFreeRepublic]

Bradley need to cut the crap and get it together!!

[NYer]

Col, do you know the explanation for the two small blue flags handed over following the coin toss?

[Textide]

Bradley is certainly due to have a good game. If he can play like he did in the second half against Portugal we’ll do alright

[Colonel_Flagg]

FIFA pennants. It is a tradition for captains to exchange gifts before full international matches.

[Cboldt]

Hmmm. Sound only here. Color bars on the screen. Local problem? ESPN via TimeWarnerCable.

[Colonel_Flagg]

Americans testing both flanks early in the game. Good for them. Belgium is playing four natural center-halves and may be vulnerable there.

[NYer]

We didn't even know what soccer was when I was a kid.

Same here. In 1976, we purchased our first home and drove to NJ to see Pele play a game. Our neighbor's son was in elementary school and played soccer. Apparently, in the mid 70s, there was a major push in the US to introduce the sport, beginning with youth. It has taken 40 years to develop a solid US fan base.

[TomGuy]

I have Cox Cable and ESPN is broadcasting fine.

[nascarnation]

I can understand total apathy toward soccer (like I have) but don’t understand the hate.