The U.S. Men’s National Team stumbled into the knockout phase of the World Cup in spite of a loss to Germany, thanks to Portugal knocking off Ghana in the final match of the group stage.
The Americans are now set to square off with Belgium, who were dominant in their first three matches.
Here’s what ESPN had to say about the U.S.’s upcoming matchup with Belgium:
Belgium won all three games while leading for a total of 24 minutes in the group stage. That’s not a good sign. Man-for-man, they are a notch above the United States, but Belgium head coach Marc Wilmots hasn’t been able to turn them into an effective unit in this World Cup, and they’ve relied on individuals and substitutions. If (U.S. coach) Jurgen Klinsmann can figure out a way to outsmart Wilmots — as other managers have done in the group stage — the U.S. have a legitimate shot, particularly if he can exploit Belgium’s full-backs, both of whom are vulnerable to pace.
In spite of the seemingly long odds, Alabama Congressman Bradley Byrne is not only optimistic about Team USA’s chances against Belgium, but also believes they have a shot to win the whole tournament.
“(USA) could go all the way,” Byrne told D.C. publication The Hill.
Byrne explained that his two sons play soccer, so at his house “It’s World Cup all the time.”
Byrne represents Alabama’s 1st Congressional District, which includes Mobile where Team USA striker Aron Jóhannsson was born.
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