Belgium needed extra time to beat a battling USA team to reach the last eight and set-up a tie against Argentina.
Salvador was the venue for Belgium against USA and the heat played a part in Tuesday’s final round of 16 tie, seeing both sides tire as the game reached the hour mark.
Early on in the tie, Divock Origi came close, making his selection over Romelu Lukaku justified, whilst Kevin de Bruyne came close but both found American keeper Tim Howard in superb form.
USA would themselves have a good chance as Michael Bradley found Clint Dempsey but the former Fulham man could only fire his shot straight at Thibaut Courtois.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s side came close moments later as the impressive DeAndre Yedlin broke down the right but could only slice his shot wide.
Kevin Miralles was hauled on in the second half as Marc Wilmots looked to chance things for the European side but a dozen chances were once again denied by the impressive Howard.
The game would then filter out until extra time but by this time – USA were dead on their legs and De Bruyne took full advantage, scoring after just six minutes of the restart.
His goal was followed by Lukaku, who replaced Origi, which ended all hopes of the thousands of USA fans packed inside the stadium.
USA would score a late consolation through Julian Green but it was too little too late.
