Expert Picks

This feels like a really telling game for both federations. Belgium are at the tail end of their Golden Generation, a group that somehow went trophyless through that run, while the United States are starting to see one of their best generations come to fruition. Neither side will be willing to give an inch, and while the draw feels live, I have to believe the total is the best way to go. If you bet the over, the result doesn’t matter. Go back to when these two teams played in March. It was 5-2 Belgium, and while the United States had their moments, Belgium’s attack eventually prevailed. Both teams have fluid attacks, and both teams still have question marks defensively. Over is the play

Well, well, well. I wasn't going to play this game with USA star Folarin Balogun suspended for a red card from the last match. They said that wasn't appealable but FIFA announced Sunday in a stunner that it "suspended" that perhaps because the White House got involved. OK then. Suspension of a suspension. Huge news obviously as Balogun is our top scorer with three goals. The U.S. seeks its first appearance in a World Cup quarterfinal since 2002. Understandably, Belgian officials are apoplectic over all this. They are getting a raw deal, but we'll take it.