FIFA World Cup 2014: Belgium vs US 56th Match in Pictures

Much-fancied Belgium needed extra time to crack heroic United States goalkeeper Tim Howard in a thrilling 2-1 extra-time victory on Tuesday that set up a World Cup quarter-final clash with Argentina.

The Belgians had dominated the first 90 minutes but a barrage of efforts were thwarted by an inspired Howard, whose resistance was finally broken in the 93rd minute when midfielder Kevin De Bruyne buried an angled shot from seven metres.

In a pulsating extra time, substitute striker Romelu Lukaku powered home a second in the 105th minute after a clever De Bruyne pass, before Julian Green’s neat volley ensured a tense finish in which Clint Dempsey almost sneaked an equalizer.

The win sealed Belgium’s first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 1986 and they will next play Argentina on Saturday.

(AFP)