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World Cup: USA 🇺🇸 vs Belgium 🇧🇪 will the game go to extra time? Our Prediction

Two Nations Meet Again in World Cup Knockout Drama

Mambo! For the second time in its last three World Cups, the USA will take on the Red Devils in the round of 16. USA and Belgium meet at the FIFA World Cup for the first time since their dramatic Round of 16 encounter at Brazil 2014, with another place in the quarter-finals up for grabs in Seattle.

The question Kenyan traders are asking: will this match need an extra 30 minutes to separate these two sides? If the score of a match is level at the end of 90 minutes of playing time, 30 minutes of extra time will be played. If the scores are still tied, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout.

These teams faced off back in 2014, when Belgium won, 2-1, to eliminate the Americans. That match went to extra time, with a 16-save performance from Tim Howard in the USMNT's net keeping the USA in the game before Belgium struck twice in the additional period.

USA Facing Belgium Without Their Leading Scorer

The USA enters this match with a major problem. Folarin Balogun, whose performances have been central to the USA's run, opened the scoring but was sent off in the 64th minute. His suspension is a major blow to the Stars and Stripes. With starting forward Folarin Balogun suspended for Monday's match following his red card against Bosnia, Pepi will get his chance to shine. Balogun is the U.S.' leading scorer with three goals so far in this tournament.

Without their top striker, the USA may struggle to break down a Belgian defence that has shown resilience throughout the tournament. Mauricio Pochettino's side reached the last 16 after finishing top of Group D and then overcoming Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32 despite playing much of the second half with ten men.

Cheki this: The U.S. is currently heading into its Round of 16 match still vying for its first win against the Belgians since 1930. The U.S. has historically struggled against European football teams throughout recent history.

Belgium's Comeback Kings Show Extra Time Experience

Belgium have already shown they know how to survive in knockout football. Rudi Garcia's men topped Group G ahead of Egypt, IR Iran and New Zealand, before producing one of the tournament's most remarkable comebacks in the Round of 32. Recovering from 2-0 down with seven minutes remaining, the Red Devils defeated Senegal 3-2 after extra time thanks to a brace from captain Youri Tielemans and a strike from substitute Lukaku.

That Senegal match went the distance, requiring the full 120 minutes plus a penalty. Rudi Garcia's side, led by captain Youri Tielemans, topped Group G ahead of Egypt, IR Iran and New Zealand to reach the knockout phase, before a dramatic win against Senegal in the round of 32. The Red Devils have already played extra time at this tournament, which could be either an advantage through experience or a disadvantage due to fatigue.

While the USA squad has totally transformed from that 2014 meeting, Belgium can still call on stalwarts Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, with Axel Witsel also a part of the Red Devils' 2026 squad. This veteran presence could be crucial in a tight match.

What the Stats Say About Extra Time

World Cup knockout matches have a history of going the distance. The 2022 World Cup saw five matches go to a penalty shootout, the most in the history of the tournament. While not all of those were preceded by extra time where a team scored, it shows how competitive modern knockout football has become.

Looking at recent World Cup history, tight defensive matches often extend beyond 90 minutes. More goals are made in the group matches than in the knockout stage. Average goals per match whole tournament: Period 2002-2018: 2.48 goals per match average. Knockout football tends to be more cautious, with teams wary of making mistakes.

Both teams in this matchup have shown they can score but also concede. Back in March, the USMNT suffered a heavy 5-2 loss to Belgium in a warm-up friendly played in Atlanta. That match featured seven goals in 90 minutes, but friendlies and knockout World Cup matches are completely different beasts.

Our Prediction: Will This Match Go to Extra Time?

This is a tough one to call, but several factors suggest this could be settled within 90 minutes. First, Belgium showed in their comeback against Senegal that they can find goals late in matches. Second, the USA will be without Balogun, potentially limiting their attacking threat and making them vulnerable to a Belgium breakthrough.

However, the counter-argument is strong. Both teams have experienced extra time recently, Belgium against Senegal and the USA having watched their 2014 encounter go the distance. The tactical caution that often defines knockout football, combined with the quality of both defences when organised, could lead to a deadlock after 90 minutes.

Wazi, here's what we think: The smart prediction is NO, this match will not go to extra time. Belgium's attacking quality through De Bruyne, Trossard, and Lukaku should eventually break through against a USA side missing its top scorer. Expect Belgium to find a winner in the second half, possibly around the 70-80 minute mark when fatigue sets in and spaces open up.

But if you're looking at value, the YES outcome has merit. These teams are evenly matched, both have shown resilience under pressure, and knockout matches at the World Cup have a tendency to produce drama. The 2014 encounter went to extra time, and history could repeat itself in Seattle.

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