What the local media say

当地媒体的声音

As well as having the largest contingent of visiting fans in Brazil, soccer fever is sweeping the States. “Business came to a halt at many companies nationwide as employees gathered in break rooms and huddled around television sets,” reported a mildly astonished Washington Post. “Many others left work early for the day, settling into bar stools or living-room couches. In fact, one day earlier Klinsmann encouraged soccer fans to skip work, sending an excuse note via Twitter for fans to deliver to their bosses.”

在巴西，美国拥有最多的现场观战球迷；国内，足球狂潮也是席卷各地。美国《华盛顿邮报》：“员工都在休息室里、电视机前扎堆，国内很多公司因此暂停了营业。很多人早早下班，或是猫在酒吧里或是窝在沙发上。比赛还没开始，美国队主帅克林斯曼就在推特上吆喝，号召大家翘班请假看比赛。”

The Belgians, meanwhile, seem quietly optimistic. “While Belgium failed to impress and to dominate their opponents so far, they won yet again,” says Dere Dactie in Belgium. “The squad is emerging as a team that’s hard to manoeuvre. Belgium haven’t let a goal in, bar a penalty, and can count on a world-class goalkeeper. In attack, a touch of genius can be enough to decide the match.”

比利时人也是信心满满，不过表现却相对平静。比利时《Dere Dactie》报：“截至目前，比利时表现不怎么出彩，进的球也不多，但仍旧是节节胜利。对对手来说，要想控制比利时越来越难了。防守上，我们有一流的门将，挡得住球门，扑得了点球。进攻上，天才球员灵光一闪，足以制胜。”

Key battle: Axel Witsel vs Michael Bradley

关键对位：维特塞尔VS布拉德利

There won’t be room to swing a cat in midfield during this fixture, and passing accuracy will be paramount. Bradley was USA’s top pass-maker in the clash with Germany – rolling 15 balls to central partner Beckerman, and getting 13 back from his henchman. Axel Witsel, meanwhile, was Belgium’s key possession-retainer against Russia – completing all 35 efforts he attempted – and was also effective in the opening fixture against Algeria. Rested for the South Korea match, expect the Zenit man back to face the Americans.

中场空间狭小，传球的精准可谓至关重要。在和德国队的比赛中，布拉德利是全队传球次数最多的球员。比利时对垒俄罗斯，维特塞尔的控球起到了关键作用。此前，维特塞尔错过了对韩国的比赛。休息了一场之后，他将在本场复出。

Fact and figures

基本数据一览

Belgium and USA have met just once before in the World Cup, in what was for both their first World Cup game in 1930. The US ran out 3-0 winners in Montevideo.

Only Iran (30%) had a lower average possession figure in the group stage than Jurgen Klinsmann's side (39%).

The last 6 Belgian goals at World Cups have come in the closing 20 minutes of games.

比利时和美国只在1930年的世界杯相遇过一次，两队均是第一次征战世界杯，最终以美国3比0大胜告终。就平均控球率来说，美国排名倒数第二（39%），仅好于伊朗（30%）。比利时在世界杯上最近的6个球都是在最后20分钟内打进的。

FourFourTwo prediction

比分预测

A tight draw: young stopper Courtois to prove his worth in a penalty shoot out and send Belgium through.

平局：门将库尔图瓦在点球决胜中大显身手，护送比利时顺利晋级。

（译者 ADDID 编辑 齐磊）