Team USA falls to Belgium 2-1 in extra time despite Goalkeeper Tim Howard’s record performance

By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Copyright 2014, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

The United States soccer team fell to the Belgium Red Devils 2-1 on Tuesday, July 1, 2014, at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil as Belgium scored two goals in extra time while Team USA managed only one despite goalkeeper Tim Howard’s record performance of 16 saves.

The United States and Belgium played to a scoreless tie forcing extra time. Goalkeeper Tim Howard played the game of his lifetime saving 16 shots against the United States goal by the potent Belgium strikers.

Belgium striker Kevin De Brunye scored a goal in the 92nd minute to give the Red Devils a 1-0 lead and later in the 105th minute striker Romelu Lukaku shot past an outstretched Tim Howard to give Belgium a 2-0 lead in extra time.

Team USA coach Jurgen Klinsman substituted 18 year old soccer prodigy Julian Green, who grew up playing soccer in Germany, and on his first touch of the ball in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil kicked a goal for the United States in the 107th minute to narrow the lead 2-1 in favor of Belgium.

Team USA missed two shots, one during regulation time by striker Chris Wondolowski which would have possibly won the game and another by team captain Clint Dempsey in extra time which would have tied the game and sent it to penalty kicks, which would have made a difference in the game. Team USA’s performance raised the stature of American soccer to a new level among world soccer powers and the spirit and hope of a nation needing a spark to lift it into greatness once again.

Belgium advances to play Argentina in the quarterfinals stage while Team USA is eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.