San Jose Earthquakes striker Chris Wondolowski has stated that the US national team will not be holding back against Belgium and will be going out to attack the Europeans. The US suffered a defeat against the Germans in the final group match. However, this defeat did not affect their chances at the World Cup since they had already qualified for the last 16 by the time the match completed. Portugal and Ghana were unable to take advantage of the defeat. Now, it is time for the US to wake up and think about reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup 2014.
They will be coming up against a Belgium team, which have been inconsistent in the group stages. Prior to the start of the tournament, Belgium were considered as potential dark horses for the title. However, lack of upfront from striker Romelu Lukaku has been a major reason towards the team not firing on all cylinders. They are expected to be pumped up for the last 16 match against United States. Unlike against the Germans, Wondolowski says that the US will be looking to attack from the first whistle.
A major problem for the US has been keeping clean sheets. They have kept none in the group matches. Wondolowski says that the US are concentrating on improving the defence.
“Going into that game, there were a lot of scenarios where, if we didn’t get a win, we could still advance. Sometimes that creeps into your mind. We know going in against Belgium, there is no other outcome that can happen. We have to win. Whether it takes 90 minutes, 120 or penalties, we have to win. And that’s all we’re concentrating on. It’s definitely tough for anyone to play 90 minutes, especially in this heat and humidity,” said the San Jose Earthquakes forward.