Belgium vs USA 1st July 9pm

Coach Marc Wilmots has a group of incredibly talented young players at his disposal, who may well collectively make up the greatest national side in the Red Devils' history. An underwhelming start in retrospect was perhaps inevitable; they'd have had to blow their group stage opponents off the continent to live up to the hype. But there's now no doubt, they're a flawed side, and one the United States could well beat on Tuesday. The good news for the USMNT is that Belgium head into the game with a couple of injury and suspension concerns. Backup full-back Anthony Vanden Borre will miss the rest of the tournament after breaking his ankle, while midfielder Steven Defour is suspended being sent off against South Korea . Vincent Kompany faces a late fitness test, while Thomas Vermaelen is out. There are question marks over whether Marouane Fellaini will maintain his position alongside Axel Witsel in midfield, and the off-form Romelu Lukaku may well be replaced by youngster Divock Origi.

However, if the USMNT are to stand a chance, they'll have to hope they're on a good day, as their performances have been more than a little erratic so far. They squeaked unconvincingly past Ghana in their opening fixture, before being unfortunate to miss out on a shock victory against Portugal in their second match. In their most recent fixture against Germany , they lost 1-0 and barely put up a fight. A repeat performance would make life much easier for the Red Devils. Meanwhile, the USMNT should have a full-strength team available, including striker Jozy Altidore. There were fears his tournament was run after he was substituted early in the U.S.'s World Cup opener against Ghana, though coach Jürgen Klinsmann has declared himself confident the attacker would be fit to play against Belgium. He could come straight back into the starting lineup at the expense of Brad Davis.

The Red Devils has been on a winning streak despite not as convincing expected but perhaps they might be self motivated to move ahead to next round of the tournament. The USMNT would as well hope that they build upon the fact that they qualified from the acclaimed ''Group of Death" then will give Belgium a real taste of the World Cup. Nevertheless expect the Belgians to carry the day but not without a strong fight from an unpredictable USA team. Much said already I expect the first half to end as a stalemate.

Verdict: First half DRAW