Ghosts of '22 Past: Belgium Faces Exorcism in Seattle
The ghosts of 2022's group-stage exit have been exorcised for [[team:USA]], who powered through Group D with six points, including a dominant opening-night win over Paraguay. Meanwhile, Belgium topped Group G but looked vulnerable after a series of draws and narrow wins.
Belgium's reliance on Kevin De Bruyne is becoming increasingly evident as the golden generation struggles to find cohesion without their star midfielder. A raucous American crowd will only add to the pressure in Seattle's Lumen Field.
Belgium's reliance on Kevin De Bruyne is becoming increasingly evident as the golden generation struggles to find cohesion without their star midfielder.
[[team:BEL]] face an uphill battle against a US side that has looked clinical and confident throughout their tournament run, including a 2-0 win over Bosnia in the round of 32.
What to watch for is whether Belgium can rediscover their form and cause an upset on American soil. Can they silence the doubts surrounding De Bruyne's ability to inspire his team?
