World Cup 2014: How does the U.S. vs. Belgium lineup stack up?

With the U.S. taking on Belgium for a spot in the last eight of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, there are plenty of ways Jurgen Klinsmann can approach this one.

Looking at the two teams on paper, Belgium has more quality overall with plenty of players winning league titles in Europe and competing in the UEFA Champions League.

[ RELATED: Three key battles that could decide US vs. Belgium ]

[ RELATED: Altidore fit for U.S. ]

However, they haven’t blown teams away at the World Cup with two 1-0 wins and a 2-1 comeback victory to their name so far. Similarly the U.S. are tough to break down and aren’t likely to smash in three or four goals in a single game.

Let’s take a look at three options Klinsmann has, as the declaration that Jozy Altidore is now fit to play changes things considerably when it comes to the USA’s starting lineup.

Plan A: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…

After shutting down Germany and only losing 1-0 last-time out, many would argue that it was a decent showing from the U.S. against one of the favorites to win the World Cup. That said, Germany didn’t really get out of second-gear and if it wasn’t for Tim Howard‘s heroics, Klinsmann’s side would have suffered a huge defeat that could have seen them knocked out. The only switch here is Bedoya coming in for Brad Davis, as the MLS winger failed to impact the game against Germany and was replaced early in the second half. Solid and steady.

——–Howard——–

Johnson—Gonzalez—Besler—Beasley

——–Beckerman——–

—Zusi—Bradley—Jones—Bedoya—

——–Dempsey——–

Plan B: The cautious approach… 

If the U.S. are really worried about the attacking talents Belgium possess, this could be the way to go. Klinsmann could well go with an ultra-cautious approach, as his side showed they can bend and not break in their win against Ghana and grabbing a draw (that felt like a loss) against Portugal. This lineup would see Geoff Cameron coming in at right back and current right back Fabian Johnson pushing up to the right midfield spot. That way the U.S. would have plenty of height at the back to deal with the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Vincent Kompany, Marouane Fellaini and Jan Vertonghen from set pieces. Also, having Johnson on the right wing could stop Eden Hazard from getting on the ball and causing serious issues for the USA.

——–Howard——–

Cameron—Gonzalez—Besler—Beasley

——–Beckerman——–

—Johnson—Bradley—Jones—Bedoya—

——–Dempsey——–

Plan C: Fight fire with fire…

Okay, this one is out there, but let’s discuss it. With Altidore declared available to play, do you risk bringing him on as a sub and then having to sub him? Maybe you start him, give Jozy 60 minutes and then switch things up. Here is the ultra-offensive look at how the U.S. could line up, as there is one noticeable absentee in the lineup: Michael Bradley. That is not likely to happen, but it seems to me as though Bradley really hasn’t been comfortable in a more advanced role for the U.S. He is a much better player breaking things up in midfield and someone like Mix Diskerud slots in better as an out-and-out playmaker. The U.S. could get torn apart if they deploy this lineup, then again they could be two or three up at  half time…

——–Howard——–

Johnson—Gonzalez—Besler—Beasley

——–Beckerman——–

—Zusi——Jones—Dempsey—

—Diskerud—

——–Altidore——–