USA vs. Belgium: Key Players to Watch in International Friendly Tilt

With World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, the U.S. Men's National Team will look to find its form against Belgium in an international friendly contest worth tuning in for.

Belgium travels to the U.S. for the first time for an international friendly match, with the two squads last squaring off in Brussels in 2011. Belgium won that contest 1-0, but plenty of time separates that match from this World Cup tune-up.

Both squads will have some questions to answer, though. Neither side will be prepared to approach this match as a friendly exhibition with World Cup qualifying matches looming.

Let’s take a look at some key players to watch in this match and a breakdown of what each must do to make their respective squad a stronger contender in the qualifiers.

Where: FirstEnergy Stadium; Cleveland, Ohio

When: Wednesday, May 29, at 8 p.m. ET

Television: ESPN2

Tim Howard: USA

The back line of the U.S. is extremely inexperienced, and a lot of questions remain regarding who will fill the center-back and right-back positions. With so much uncertainty, Tim Howard will have to play his best in net for the Americans.

Howard has been a staple for the American team’s defense, but the 34-year-old won’t be around forever. With the future in mind, it may be time for the U.S. team to start experimenting with Aston Villa’s 28-year-old keeper Brad Guzan.

Howard probably isn’t in any danger of losing his starting role, but he’ll have to be in top form if he hopes to assure his job security and give Team USA a chance to upend Belgium ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

Romelu Lukaku: Belgium

Romelu Lukaku’s future in Europe is very much up in the air as his stint on loan at West Bromwich Albion comes to a close. Some believe he’s ready to return to the Premier League and start next term with Chelsea, but there’s been little indication the Blues are guaranteed of not loaning him out for another term.

While there’s still a good chance he ultimately ends up with Chelsea for the next EPL term, he won’t be worried about that when Belgium takes to the pitch for its match with the U.S. team ahead of World Cup qualifiers.

The 20-year-old striker is one of the brightest young talents in Europe, and his development has been worth watching. He doesn’t have the experience of some of Belgium’s other top players, but he does have the talent to do a lot of damage to an inexperienced U.S. back line.

Thomas Vermaelen: Belgium

Thomas Vermaelen is one of Belgium’s top defenders, and at 27, he has an opportunity to establish himself as a key component to the national team’s pursuit of the World Cup.

He played well with Arsenal this term, but Vermaelen still needs to establish some consistency and regain top form ahead of the qualifiers. In a match that should feature plenty of action in the final third, Vermaelen will be expected to shoulder a heavy burden and instill some confidence heading into meaningful matches.

The 27-year-old didn’t see a lot of action in the final months of the season with Arsenal (despite showing flashes of solid football earlier in the term) and now is the time for Vermaelen to shake off the rust. If he can curb his tendency to be overly aggressive on the back line, the American side may struggle to get much going up the middle.

Clint Dempsey: USA

Clint Dempsey has been Team USA’s saving grace in World Cup qualifying matches, netting two goals in three matches to date. If the U.S. attack is to do anything going forward, the 30-year-old will have to shoulder the burden and remain in top form, using a friendly match like this one to establish continued consistency.

But the U.S. team will also be looking for another striker to step up ahead of qualifiers. Dempsey will be an important player to watch, but not just for his striking abilities.

As a veteran leader of the squad, Dempsey will likely be looking to get his teammates more involved in the hopes of creating some continuity in the final third. The U.S. can’t make a run at the World Cup if it can’t score, and Dempsey shouldn’t be expected to carry that burden alone.