Belgium’s Thomas Vermaelen out for clash vs. USMNT
Belgium’s defense is hurting.
Clive Rose
Thomas Vermaelen will not play for Belgium when they take on the United States in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, manager Marc Wilmots has confirmed. The defender has been battling a hamstring injury and was considered unlikely to play in the last few days.
Vermaelen is hardly the only injury concern Belgium has at the back. Vincent Kompany is a doubt for the match as he deals with a groin injury, while Anthony Vanden Borre has been ruled out for the tournament with a crack in his fibula. Laurent Ciman also has a knock.
Jozy Altidore
With the Belgium defense in flux, the U.S. has to feel good about their chances to find a goal or two. The Americans scored four goals in the group stage and came close to adding more, so the Belgium defense will have trouble, but the bigger issue for the Americans will be handling the Red Devils’ midfield. If Belgium can dominate the midfield, it may not matter if they’re weak in defense.
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