{"id":6428,"date":"2026-07-06T04:08:05","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T04:08:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/movinginsiderusa.com\/?p=6428"},"modified":"2026-07-06T04:08:05","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T04:08:05","slug":"us-seeks-revenge-for-thrilling-world-cup-loss-to-belgium-12-years-ago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/movinginsiderusa.com\/?p=6428","title":{"rendered":"US seeks \u2018revenge\u2019 for thrilling World Cup loss to Belgium 12 years ago"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"\"<\/figure>\n\n
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino attends a training session in Seattle, Sunday, July 5, 2026, ahead of a World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Belgium. (AP Photo\/Manu Fernandez)<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n

SEATTLE \u2014 When Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reflected on the last time his side faced the United States in the World Cup<\/a> , Tim Howard came to mind.<\/p>

Read more Mexico-England World Cup round of 16 match delayed by 1 hour because of thunderstorm<\/a><\/p>\n

Courtois was in net opposite one of the greatest American goalies, who made 16 saves in a 2-1, extra time loss to Belgium<\/a> at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Though Howard has long since hung up his boots, the 34-year-old Courtois will start again on Monday when the U.S. plays Belgium<\/a> in the round of 16.<\/p>\n

Since that thrilling match over a decade ago, American soccer has made significant strides.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think they can produce a lot of talent and become a world force,\u201d Courtois said. \u201cThey\u2019re already a great team together, they play well. So I think that\u2019s a good evolution, and they\u2019re showing it this World Cup. Hopefully it comes to an end (Monday) and that we can win, but we\u2019re expecting a tough game.\u201d<\/p>\n

The World Cup has excited soccer fans and piqued many Americans\u2019 interest<\/a> , even as the sport continues to strive toward achieving mainstream popularity in the United States. There have been setbacks since that Belgium game 12 years ago, including a stunning loss to Trinidad and Tobago in 2017 that led to the U.S. missing the 2018 World Cup in Russia<\/a> .<\/p>\n

Led by Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has embraced the American experience this summer<\/a> , the U.S. is one win away from advancing as far as it ever has at the World Cup.<\/p>\n

The Americans have won three of four games in the tournament with a roster featuring stars from European clubs. Those include forwards Christian Pulisic<\/a> and Folarin Balogun, who is eligible for Monday\u2019s game after President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino seeking a review of his red card<\/a> .<\/p>\n

Like Courtois, Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel<\/a> played against the Americans in 2014 and believes the U.S. has improved significantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think technically they are better,\u201d Witsel said. \u201cPhysically, and also the intensity they can put during the game. And of course, the way they coach.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Belgium side features four players from its 2014 World Cup roster, including Courtois and Witsel. Kevin De Bruyne<\/a> and Romelu Lukaku<\/a> , who were integral to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, remain impactful players.<\/p>

Read more Chris Gotterup wins John Deere Classic with a 62 and late help from Ben Kohles<\/a><\/p>\n

U.S. defender Alex Freeman<\/a> marveled at the longevity of the Red Devils, who showed their resiliency by coming back from a two-goal deficit to beat Senegal 3-2 in the round of 32<\/a> .<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re a nation that\u2019s always been respected, and has always been amazing in the World Cup in these moments,\u201d Freeman said. \u201cAnd, I feel like for us it\u2019s, \u2018How can we be important in these moments as well and make an impact?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

The Americans are winless in 13 straight World Cup matchups against European opponents, 3-6-15 overall in such games and were blown out by Belgium 5-2 in a World Cup warmup match in March<\/a> .<\/p>\n

U.S. defender Chris Richards fondly remembers Howard\u2019s performance against Belgium, even though it came in defeat.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was fun,\u201d Richards said. \u201cI think people spoke (highly) about that Belgium \u2018Golden Generation\u2019, and I think our boys went toe-to-toe with them. Ultimately, it\u2019s exciting to be able to reenact it. And hopefully, the result comes out on our side.\u201d<\/p>\n

Should the U.S. win on Monday, it could be an inflection point for American soccer. When the U.S. lost to Belgium in Brazil, it gave future players like Freeman, who was 9 years old at the time, the belief they could one day compete with the game\u2019s best on the international stage.<\/p>\n

Freeman hopes to honor Howard, previous U.S. teams and future American players.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want revenge, right?\u201d Freeman said. \u201cRevenge from then, and revenge from three months ago when we lost to them. I think for us, it\u2019s kind of putting that mindset that we have to win and knowing that we\u2019re not only doing it for us, but we\u2019re doing it for the nation as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

This story has been corrected. A previous version reported erroneously that Belgium has five players from its 2014 World Cup roster.<\/p>

Read more Erling Haaland scores twice to beat Brazil, send Norway into World Cup quarterfinals for 1st time<\/a><\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

See more of AP\u2019s World Cup coverage here<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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