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World Cup | Round of 16
Jul 1, 2014 at 9pm UK
 
UN

2-1

De Bruyne (93'), Lukaku (105')
FT
(aet)
Green (107')

Player Ratings: Belgium 2-1 USA

:Headline: Player Ratings: Belgium 2-1 USA: ID:162819: from db_amp
Sports Mole assesses who impressed during Belgium's 2-1 victory over USA at the World Cup finals.

Goals from Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku have helped Belgium progress through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup thanks to a 2-1 win over USA after extra time.

Below, Sports Mole assesses how each player performed for their respective sides in this second-round fixture.


BELGIUM

Goal

Thibaut Courtois: The Chelsea stopper didn't experience too many stressful moments, but he could do little with Green's volley in extra time. (7/10)

Defence

Toby Alderweireld: Largely used as an attacking weapon in normal time as he provided a number of threatening deliveries for his teammates. Had to dig in in extra time to deny USA a chance of progression through penalties. (7/10)

Vincent Kompany: The Manchester City defender was superb at both ends of the pitch. A real captain's display. (8/10)

Daniel van Buyten: At the age of 36, coped well with the speed of USA's counter-attacks. Could be replaced by Vermaelen for the quarter-finals. (7/10)

Jan Vertonghen: A performance of energy and commitment. The versatile Tottenham Hotspur defender created several chances for his team while seeing a spectacular volley miss the top corner by inches. (8/10)

Midfield

Alex Witsel: Provided a calming influence in the middle of the park. Played an important role in front of the Belgium back four. (7/10)

Marouane Fellaini: Has failed to build on his substitute appearance against Algeria. Competed well in the air but was often lacking in mobility when USA broke forward. (6/10)

Kevin de Bruyne: The former Chelsea man continues to show why he is one of the best young talents in world football. Constantly ran at the USA defence before featuring in both of his team's goals in extra time. (9/10)

Dries Mertens: Like Fellaini, he has failed to build on his cameo against Algeria in the first group game. Had one header saved before being replaced by Mirallas. (6/10)

Eden Hazard: Another mixed display from the Chelsea playmaker. Plenty of possession in and around the box, but lacked a killer ball. (7/10)

Attack

Divock Origi: The Lille striker has shown glimpses of his ability earlier in the tournament, but this was the night that the 19-year-old came of age. Frightened the USA defence with his pace and skill around the box, but lacked a decisive touch with a number of efforts on goal. (8/10)

Substitutes

Kevin Mirallas: Immediately improved his team's threat in the final third. Unlucky not to end up on the scoresheet. (8/10)

Romelu Lukaku: Introduced at the start of extra time and contributed to his team's two goals. Displayed superb pace and power to create the first before an incisive shot from 12 yards doubled his side's advantage. (8/10)

Nacer Chadli: No time to make an impact. (5/10)


USA

Goal

Tim Howard: A remarkable display from the 35-year-old. Could do nothing to prevent Belgium's two goals, but set a new World Cup record for the number of saves in a single match. (10/10)

Defence

Fabian Johnson: Made a strong opening before being withdrawn due to a hamstring problem. (6/10)

Matt Besler: Was often beaten for pace by Origi and Lukaku, but coped physically against both forwards. Was hampered by an ankle injury throughout extra time. (8/10)

Omar Gonzalez: Dug deep with his defensive teammates to try to keep a clean sheet for his side. Unlucky to feature on the losing side. (8/10)

DaMarcus Beasley: Possesses excellent pace and energy to remain a constant threat on the left. However, struggled to cope with Mirallas after his arrival. (8/10)

Midfield

Geoff Cameron: Was deployed in the unfamiliar position of centre-midfield but played an effective role in forcing a poor outing from Fellaini. (7/10)

Jermaine Jones: Another combative performance from the 32-year-old, who battled through a couple of knocks to drive his team on in the latter stages. (8/10)

Graham Zusi: Contributed in offensive area, but USA were exposed when he tired during the second half. (6/10)

Michael Bradley: Delivered his best display of the tournament. Combined well with Jones in Belgium's half while showing enough energy to get back to help his defence. (8/10)

Alejandro Bedoya: Played a pivotal role in helping Beasley advance down the left when USA had the ball. Couldn't threaten Courtois's goal. (7/10)

Attack

Clint Dempsey: USA have barely missed Jozy Altidore due to the displays of the former Fulham attacker. Committed to the cause and involved in all of his team's attack, but squandered a couple of fantastic openings. (8/10)

Substitutes

DeAndre Yedlin: Replaced Johnson after 32 minutes, but was arguably his team's best player after the heroics from Howard. Possesses bundles of energy, and this performance could encourage a European team to take a chance on the 20-year-old. (8/10)

Chris Wondolowski: Lucky to see an offside flag go up after blazing a chance over the crossbar in the final minute of normal time. (6/10)

Julian Green: Stunned Belgium with a goal upon his arrival. Could have potentially saved the match for his team if he were introduced earlier. (7/10)


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