USA vs Belgium stats and analysis: Red Devils shock Pochettino’s Stars and Stripes with brave tactical tweaks

Belgium beat USA 4-1 to progress to the quarter-final of the competition, setting up a clash against Spain to reach the semi-final.

Rudi Garcia’s side came out the blocks extremely fast, taking four shots (two on target) in the opening two minutes.

It didn’t take long for them to find their opener with this aggressive approach, as Nicolas Raskin found Charles De Ketelaere in the box to make it 1-0.

While Belgium were in control of the game, USA found their way back in, winning a free kick and scoring with their first shot on goal, as Malik Tillman’s effort was deflected past Thibaut Courtois.

Just two minutes later though, De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s lead, getting on the end of Leandro Trossard’s cross to make it 2-1.

Mauricio Pochettino made some offensive changes at half-time, but it was Belgium who extended their lead in the 57th minute.

Hans Vanaken found the back of the net to make it 3-1, after a terrible mistake from Matthew Freese trying to play out.

USA struggled to find their way back from this point, with Romelu Lukaku eventually adding a fourth and confirming their spot in the next round.

Belgium’s tactical tweaks

Garcia made some brave changes ahead of their clash with USA, dropping both Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku to the bench.

These high profile admissions allowed Garcia to shift into a more 4-2-3-1 approach, with a few clear tactical details at play.

Firstly, the defensive approach was excellent to stifle Pochettino’s USA side, catching them off guard and stifling their build up.

Garcia set his side up to defend in a 4-2-3-1 which could then collapse into a 4-4-1-1, with De Ketelaere jumping to Chris Richards.

Trossard and Dodi Lukebakio would then apply pressure to the outside centre-backs, while the Belgian full-backs were responsible for the USA wide men.

Youri Tielemans (Vanaken after the early sub for Amadou Onana) would then cover Tyler Adams in the pivot.

This aggressive start denied USA the central access they desire, stunting their ability to settle into the game and provide the conditions they wanted.

On the ball, Belgium were looking to build out from the back in a 4-2-4 shape, splitting the centre-backs either side of Courtois.

The full-backs advanced, the double pivot was fixed and the front four were fairly narrow.

Belgium’s aim was to drag the opposition out of their diamond press, finding access to the pivot and forcing Adams to jump (losing their +1).

This gave Belgium a 4v4 on the last line when going direct over the press, which played a prominent part in their second goal.

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USA’s attacking struggles

Pochettino’s side struggled with their offensive play on the other hand, not finding the same rhythm they have in previous games.

So much of their attacking identity comes down to central combinations, plenty of rotations, countermovements to stretch the block and synergy.

However, when these patterns of play are even slightly off, it is difficult to find solutions, as it is reliant on players being on the same wavelength.

In the earlier stages, USA set up in their usual 3-1-6 shape, with Alexander Freeman staying low, while Antonee Robinson pushed high.

Due to the difficulties in the opening 25 minutes (before the first hydration break) to break Belgium’s press, Pochettino looked to make some adjustments.

By pushing Freeman higher, USA kept a +1 in the build with their two centre-backs against De Ketelaere in the press.

With Vanaken following Adams, USA then had Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie, Tillman and Christian Pulisic to rotate and find spaces between Belgium’s midfield line.

As the game went on, Belgium dropped even deeper looking to protect their lead, with Pochettino then opting for more attacking changes, including Adams going off in the 72nd minute for Ricardo Pepi.

Regardless of the bodies they added further forward in central areas, Pochettino’s side were unable to find the rhythm needed.

They were unable to cause Belgium issues and find a way back into the game, despite having more of the ball in the second half.

Belgian attack catching fire

Despite both Doku and De Bruyne being dropped, Belgium’s attacking dynamics looked the best they have this tournament.

Lukebakio gave more directness to their play, making off ball runs and looking to drive at players both wide and centrally.

The 28-year-old winger completed six of his eight take-on attempts, driving Belgium up the pitch and putting stress on the USA defensive unit.

Vanaken came from the bench in the 21st minute to replace Onana, grabbing a goal and an assist to validate Garcia’s choice to send him on over De Bruyne.

De Ketelaere scored his first two goals of the tournament, as the 25-year-old has shared minutes with Lukaku so far.

But the decision to start the Atalanta star was again justified, scoring two goals from three shots and providing an assist, making three key passes in the game.

Trossard seems to be the only mainstay in the Belgium attacking unit, he also grabbed an assist, finding a lovely clipped ball to De Ketelaere to nod it home.

With Spain up next for Garcia’s Belgium, it will be interesting to see if he sticks with the side who delivered against USA or if he is tempted to recall Doku and De Bruyne to the side.

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