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Ahead of the USMNT’s Round of 16 World Cup game against Belgium in the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, the shocking news broke that Kyle Beckerman won’t play. The midfielder has been one of Jurgen Klinsmann’s best players in during this World Cup adventure but the coach has opted for Geoff Cameron in midfield. The only likely scenario is that Beckerman has picked up an injury because certainly based on his performances he doesn’t deserve to be out of the team. Of course on Twitter, everyone has an opinion as to why Beckerman ain’t playing:
I'm disappointed Kyle Beckerman isn't in the starting lineup for the #USA today. Apparently he's being punished for being too awesome.
— Jimmy Conrad (@JimmyConrad) July 1, 2014
Meanwhile for the Belgians, all the talk of Vincent Kompany not being picked was nonsense. The Belgium captain will play having recovered from his groin injury which troubled him in the group stages.
The U.S. struggled in the early stages of the game as Geoff Cameron, Beckerman’s replacement, looked uncomfortable and got a yellow card after less than 20 minutes of the game.
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It was even stranger that Klinsmann was given the opportunity to put Beckerman in the game when Fabian Johnson came off injured. The logical solution would be to put Geoff Cameron at right-back and then bring Beckerman into midfield. Instead, Klinsmann went for the completely unproven prospect DeAndre Yedlin.
Here’s how the two teams will line up for the game:
USA: Tim Howard, Fabian Johnson, Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez, DeMarcus Beasley, Geoff Cameron, Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Alejandro Bedoya, Clint Dempsey, Graham Zusi.
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois, Toby Alderweireld, Daniel Van Buyten, Vincent Kompany, Axel Witsel, Marouane Fellaini, Kevin De Bruyne, Dries Mertens, Eden Hazard, Divock Origi.