Belgium vs USA: Dempsey goal to put Red Devils through hell

Belgium racked up three wins from three games in the group stage but are unlikely to have it all their own way against a USA side that edged out Ghana and Portugal to reach the second round.

Marc Wilmots’ team head into the game as 5/6 favourites for victory with Ladbrokes, with the draw in 90 minutes priced at a tempting 5/2, after stalemates in three of the last four meetings between the teams.

But with Jurgen Klinsmann’s charges also available at 7/2 to win within 90 minutes, there is certainly plenty of value to be had from this encounter, as this collection of the three best bets available demonstrates.

Clint Dempsey to score anytime @ 3/1

If there is one man on the US team who can upset the Belgium applecart it’s undoubtedly the former Fulham favourite affectionately known as ‘Deuce’.

Dempsey may have swapped the Premier League for a spell back home in the MLS but as Tim Cahill before him demonstrated, that shouldn’t get in the way of backing the 31-year-old to find the net again here.

The Texan has been America’s goal king at this World Cup with crucial strikes against Ghana and Portugal to his name – don’t bet against him coming up with another one here.

Belgium to win by one goal @ 14/5

Though USA undoubtedly offer great value as outsiders for victory, Belgium have made a habit of getting the job done, regardless of the performance, so far at this World Cup.

Down a goal against Algeria, the Red Devils rallied to win 2-1, heading for a draw with Russia they found the net late on and even against Korea Republic, when they were down to 10 men, a late Jan Vertonghen strike saw them pick up a win.

And with USA’s only loss coming by a single goal, a narrow victory for Belgium looks a great shout.

Second half to produce most goals @ 21/20

A key feature of the World Cup so far has been quiet opening halves followed by explosive second periods. Perhaps due to a mixture of the heat and increasing fatigue as the game goes on, both USA and Belgium have been involved in goal-heavy second half games.

Six of the nine goals scored in games involving the US have been scored in the second period, while four of the five goals in Belgium’s three fixtures so far have come after half time.

Backing more goals in the second half therefore looks a good bet.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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