foto1-119c19263cd46c546ff2de81b0402f3ajpg_642x428By Roberto Ruiz

Two games, two identical results, two heartbroken nations.

The United States were outmatched and outscored by Belgium 2-1. Coming into the game as underdogs, the United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT) felt confident that their biggest strength, interior defense, would lend well to stopping Belgium’s strong central attack. In reality, the only thing stopping the Belgium attack was the stellar goalkeeping of Tim Howard. The bend but don’t break defense broke many times for the USMNT and left Howard in 1 on 1 situations far too often. Belgium had 27 shots on goal throughout the game, which is astonishing in itself when considering that it is tied for the second most shots on goal since 1996. Even better, Howard had 16 shots defended, a World Cup record. Admirably, after the game Howard did not blame the strainer of a defense.

“Belgium are a good team with a lot of good players but so are we,” Howard said. “We” is the key word there, because he is the only USMNT player who did not rave about the goalkeeping.

It would have been hard to imagine a better World Cup farewell performance for Howard, who at 35 years old is doubtful to return in a starting role for the next World Cup. For years, Howard has been the stabilizing force that the USMNT so desperately needed, and he had a big hand in making the USMNT relevant.

Belgium advances to face Argentina in the round of eight, but they do so with a new found respect for the USMNT. Actually, maybe they just have a new found respect for Tim Howard.

Mexico went through a similar gamut of emotions in their 2-1 loss to the Netherlands. Guillermo Ochoa, the lauded Mexico goalkeeper, finished off what has to be considered one of the finest goalkeeping performances in the World Cup tournament history. After putting on a goalkeeping clinic in the Group round, Ochoa showed the Netherlands why he was not to be trifled with. Ultimately, Ochoa could not make the 1-0 Mexican lead hold up after Dutch striker Wesley Sneijder nailed a laser from outside of the box in the 88th minute. With defenders blocking his view, Ochoa never had time to react and the Dutch, just minutes from elimination, knotted the game at 1 all. After a penalty in the box in the fourth minute of stoppage time, a converted Dutch penalty kick left many Mexico fans shaking their heads in disbelief. Unlike the US, Mexico led for most of the match and proved that they deserved to be in the tournament after barely qualifying last fall.

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera blamed the coaches after the match, as he has done every time his team has struggled in Brazil this year. He had a point this time, though, as Dutch forward Arjen Robben spent more time flopping then playing soccer. Ultimately, Robben had the last laugh as the penalty that led to the Dutch winner was garnered by his final flop of the match.

Upcoming Matches

France vs Germany play today in a European battle at 11:00am. France getting this far is a bit of a surprise, but it seems like they outperform expectations every World Cup. Germany has a strong attack but have at times looked suspect in the tournament. Upset watch is on high alert for this game. France looking as strong as it has in the tournament coupled with Germany under-performing will lead to an earlier than expected German demise.

Brazil vs Colombia will be the match many will circle on their calender. Played today at 3:00pm, the match features two South American heavyweights, with the winner likely grabbing the title of “favorite” for the remainder of the tournament. Only because I hope to avoid near-certain riots if Brazil loses, I will have to go Brazil here. Strong team, strong crowd and strong emotions rarely lead to a loss.

Argentina vs Belgium on Saturday at 11:00am. Two offensive minded teams will lock horns in what should be the tournaments first shootout outside of the Group stage. Lionel Messi has led Argentina to two late victories in previous games and looks to put Argentina on his back once more. Belgium may be exhausted for this match after playing 120 minutes on Tuesday, so look for them to start strong in the first half but wilt by the time the second half is in full swing.

Netherlands vs Costa Rica will round out the semifinals and will be played Saturday at 3:00pm.The Cinderalla of this World Cup, Costa Rica will look to stun the Netherlands and advance in this tournament. While Costa Rica has surprised many with their run, I fully expect it to stop here. Beating Greece in penalties is one thing, beating the Netherlands is a whole different story.