SEATTLE — Belgium spent the first week of this World Cup looking strangely ordinary. By the time the Round of 16 arrived, the Red Devils had reminded everyone exactly why they remain one of the world’s most dangerous teams.
Belgium limped through scoreless stretches against Egypt and Iran, producing just one goal in its first two group matches before erupting for five goals in a demolition of New Zealand to close out the group stage.
Then came an even louder warning. Trailing Senegal deep into the Round of 32, Belgium waited patiently before detonating, scoring two goals in less than three minutes to force extra time, where a dramatic late winner completed a comeback that showcased the ruthless finishing power lurking beneath an inconsistent tournament.
And the Americans watched every minute of it.
“Belgium is a great side. They showed their quality against Senegal,” midfielder Tyler Adams said. “Obviously, going 120 minutes is a little bit different than us, so we can be a little bit more fresh. Hopefully bring that energy and continue to keep the tempo high.”
Keeping the tempo high is one strategy, but it could backfire. Senegal started fast but ran out of gas late. That’s the danger when trying to push the pace against a team with a ferocious attack like Belgium’s.
Adams, the vocal leader of the midfield and the U.S.’s best defensive player in the center of the pitch, understands the assignment. Belgium’s roster is overflowing with elite talent, from Premier League veterans to longtime stars like Jérémy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, each of whom continues to deliver on soccer’s biggest stage.
“Belgium has an obviously unbelievable squad,” Adams said. “They have so much talent. … They’re a team that likes to play attacking football. How you manage those moments is gonna be really important.”
The matchup carries fresh history. Belgium defeated the U.S. 5-2 in March, but veteran captain Tim Ream dismissed any temptation to treat Monday as a sequel.
“We’re two very different teams now than we were in March,” Ream said. “We’re both trying to move on in the biggest tournament in sports history. … It’s a completely different game than in March.”
For Sergiño Dest, Belgium’s comeback against Senegal reinforced one lesson: concentration cannot flicker for even a heartbeat.
“We have to make sure we stay together, stay focused, stay locked in,” Dest said. “If substitutes come in, they’ll be locked in as well.”
Against Belgium, one lapse can become three goals before anyone has time to breathe.
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That is the challenge now facing the United States.
