Belgium overcame a world-class goalkeeping performance and a furious American comeback in extra time to book a spot in the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals, edging the U.S. 2-1 on Tuesday.
The Belgians applied nearly constant pressure on the U.S. defence before breaking through in the 93rd minute, when Kevin De Bruyne made a great move in close and finally put a shot past Tim Howard.
Romelu Lukaku added a second Belgian marker in the 105th minute, which seemed to seal the win for Belgium.
But the Americans sparked back to life in the 107th minute, when Julian Green brought the U.S. back within one with a great volley.
That provided a grandstand finish to the match, but the Americans couldn’t find another goal.
Howard had a magnificent game in the American net, as Belgium directed 38 shots (you read that right) on goal, forcing 16 saves out of Howard, the most by any keeper so far in Brazil.
Belgium faces Argentina in the quarter-finals on Saturday (CBC TV, cbc.ca/fifaworldcup, Noon ET).