Belgium secured their first FIFA World Cup quarter-final berth since 1986 with a pulsating 2-1 extra-time win over United States.
Kevin De Bruyne, one of a host of Belgium players to find USA goalkeeper Tim Howard in sensational form, smashed into the bottom corner in the third minute of the additional period after the initial 90 somehow ended goalless at Salvador’s Arena Fonte Nova.
Romelu Lukaku, dropped to the bench, then gave Belgium breathing space with an emphatic 105th-minute second.
But there was further drama as a resilient USA team hit back through substitute Julian Green, while Jermaine Jones poked agonisingly wide, with Clint Dempsey also denied late on, before Belgium sealed the prize of a last-eight meeting against Argentina in Brasilia despite the stunning efforts of the brilliant Howard.
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Captain Vincent Kompany returned from groin and abdominal complaints to bolster Belgium’s defence, while Divock Origi was favoured over Lukaku in attack.
There was an air of inevitability in Howard keeping out Origi’s rasping shot on the turn, and after Hazard crashed into the side-netting, Kompany instigated a 90th-minute counter attack only to have a scuffed attempt impressively saved.
Somehow, USA retained an attacking threat amid the onslaught and the sight of Chris Wondolowski blazing over unmarked from an offside position served due warning to Belgium heading into extra time.
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Having almost single-handedly brought about the additional period, Howard was beaten by De Bruyne after Lukaku’s fresh legs proved decisive down the left flank and the powerhouse striker made it two as a Belgium break finally came to fruition.
With the game seemingly up, Jurgen Klinsmann threw on Green and his swivelled volley put the match back in the balance.
On the heels of Jones’ close shave, Dempsey looked destined to force a shootout, but it was Courtois’ turn to provide goalkeeping heroics after a brilliant set-piece routine, as Wilmots’ charges frantically held on.
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