This round of 16 match promises to be a real test for both defences. The US team, serving as one of the hosts of the tournament, convincingly passed the group stage and the 1/16 finals, winning victories over Paraguay, Australia and Bosnia. However, the team suffered a serious loss: its top scorer Folarin Balogun (3 goals) was disqualified due to a red card. This forces Mauricio Pochettino to rebuild his attack, with Ricardo Pepi likely to start. Belgium, in turn, has already proven its mettle by making a strong-willed comeback and beating Senegal in extra time. At the same time, the Red Devils remain one of the most productive teams in the tournament.
The attacking potential and defensive vulnerabilities of both teams create excellent preconditions for exchanging goals. The Americans play poorly against European teams. Belgium, despite a powerful attack line with De Bruyne, Doku and Trossard, is unstable in defense, as confirmed by the recent friendly match in March, where the teams exchanged seven goals (5:2 in favor of Belgium). Analysts also note that both teams have problems in the defensive line, which could cost them goals.
Considering that this is the playoffs, teams will act as aggressively as possible, but at the same time leave space for the opponent to counterattack. Losing Balogun may dampen the U.S. attack, but it won't deprive them of their scoring ability, and Belgium will likely take advantage of the open spaces.
