The U.S. men’s national team can punch their ticket to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002 with a win against Belgium on Tuesday. The U.S. navigated their way through the “Group of Death” behind strong play from MLS players in all positions. Offensively, Seattle Sounders FC forward Clint Dempsey has lived up to the captain’s armband by leading the team with two goals while Sporting Kansas City’s Graham Zusi leads the team with two assists -- one on the go-ahead goal in the win against Ghana and the other in the draw against Portugal. In midfield, Real Salt Lake’s Kyle Beckerman has been a reliable force with Toronto FC’s Michael Bradley covering more ground in the group stage than any other player at the World Cup. Defensively, Sporting Kansas City’s Matt Besler and LA Galaxy’s Omar Gonzalez have seen significant playing time in central defense while making their World Cup debuts.
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If the U.S. defeat Belgium, they will join fellow CONCACAF team Costa Rica in the Quarterfinals. The Ticos continued their surprising World Cup run by defeating Greece in a penalty shootout despite playing down a man for the majority of the second half. Columbus Crew defender Giancarlo Gonzalez has played every minute so far for Costa Rica and converted a key penalty kick in Sunday’s win. Costa Rica will meet European giants The Netherlands on Saturday.
By: Editor
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