The big news before the second round match between Belgium and USA was that Vincent Kompany, Belgium’s captain passed late fitness tests and made the starting line up. His inspirational leadership would be needed for Belgium to qualify ahead of this well drilled and organised US side.

Christiano Ronaldo, the world footballer of the year and his Portugal side will look to step up against USA and banish the demons of their disastrous opener against Germany, where they shipped in four unreplied goals. USA led by the German legend Jurgen Klinsmann however won their opening game against ...