World Cup 2014: 5 things to know about Belgium ahead of U.S. clash

MOGI DAS CRUZES, Brazil -- If Belgium has a reputation for self-indulgence because of its love of chocolate and beer, it is time to look at its World Cup squad and admire discipline, stamina and determination.

So far, this has been a hard team to appreciate despite its perfect group record ahead of Tuesday's clash with the United States.

Team USA goalkeeper Tim Howard on World Cup advancement

Team USA goalkeeper Tim Howard told "CBS This Morning" that even though Belgium recently beat the U.S. 4-2 in a friendly and is "one of the up-and-coming superstar powers in Europe," he feels his team can "match up well against them."

"We relish the role of underdog," Howard said. "It keeps us hungry. It allows us to not be complacent."

Howard's coach has been preaching to his team to keep that fighting spirit going.

"Don't be content," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. "Nobody can claim that he reached his 100 percent yet."

Here are 5 things to know about the Belgium team.

TOUGH DEFENSE

Belgium's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reacts at the end of a Group H football match between South Korea and Belgium at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 26, 2014. MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images

Belgium didn't concede a single goal in open play during the group stage. Talk about a hermetic seal. It has Thibaut Courtois, at 22, already one of the top goalkeepers around. He anchored Atletico Madrid to the Spanish league title and also the Champions League final. Playing ahead of him is Vincent Kompany, who led Manchester City to two of the last three Premier League titles. And amazingly at 36, Daniel Van Buyten is still one of the standout defenders at the World Cup.

"KAMPFSCHWEIN" COACH

Head coach Marc Wilmots of Belgium (R) celebrates victory after the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group H match between South Korea and Belgium at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 26, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Matthew Lewis, Getty Images

If you are looking for fighting spirit, coach Marc Wilmots fits the bill. Such was the toughness of his attitude and the challenges he made as a player with Schalke in the Bundesliga, the working class fan base immediately took a liking to him and called him Kampfschwein - which translates as fighting boar. Now aged 45, that determination survives. As a coach, he goes looking for victories at the World Cup whether they involve beautiful football or not. His team's three one-goal victories have so far proven it to be the right strategy.

EDEN HAZARD

Belgium's midfielder Eden Hazard takes part in a training session in Mogi das Cruzes during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil on June 29, 2014. MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images

The playmaker has huge expectations to live up to. At 23, he is already among a handful of European players with global appeal. He is now the creative genius at Chelsea and is seeking to emulate that for Belgium at the World Cup. So far, the results have been mixed. He has been decisive in both matches he played in, providing the winning assist late in the game each time, in a 1-0 win over Russia and a 2-1 victory against Algeria. But he has yet to take the mantle of leadership in the team and this is what Wilmots will be looking for against the United States.

SPOILT FOR STRIKERS?

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku fights to head the ball with Russia's Alexey Kozlov (back) during their 2014 World Cup Group H soccer match at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro June 22, 2014. REUTERS

Don't be fooled by the measly four goals from three games, Belgium does have its share of good strikers. Christian Benteke was supposed to be the first choice for Wilmots, but the Aston Villa striker ruptured his Achilles tendon in April. No worries. There's also Romelu Lukaku, the Everton forward. Despite a sterling preparation campaign and key goals in qualifying, he has been a bitter disappointment so far in Brazil. Wilmots went looking for an alternative, and found one. Divock Origi, at 19, has been crucial. He scored the winner against Russia and provided the shot which allowed Jan Vertonghen to tap in the winner against South Korea. Now, Origi is a fan favorite to start against the United States.

MATCH REVISITED

Romelu Lukaku #9 of Belguim shoots on Tim Howard #1 of the U.S. Mens National Team as Clarence Goodson #21 looks on during their International Friendly match at FirstEnergy Stadium on May 29, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. Matt Sullivan, Getty Images

Since Wilmots and his U.S. counterpart Jurgen Klinsmann get on well, the team had planned to play a training match in Sao Paulo just days before the start of their campaigns. The threat of strikes and traffic jams forced Wilmots to reconsider and it was called off at the last moment. Now they meet will meet in Salvador on Tuesday. But this will be anything but a gentle practice match.

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