USA vs. Belgium: What to Watch for in International Friendly

In spite of Friday's disappointing loss to Costa Rica, the general attitude surrounding the US men's national soccer team has been fairly positive.

Today they will look to improve upon the progress made last match by testing themselves against stiffer competition, facing a young Belgian side which boasts two of the world's up-and-coming stars in Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea), and Eden Hazard (Lille).

Against Costa Rica, the US came out of the gates playing arguably the most beautiful football seen from the team in recent memory. They controlled possession, were crisp and decisive with their passes and created several dangerous scoring chances, which unfortunately they failed to convert. 

If the team hopes to put in a strong performance today, they will need to build upon their inspired offensive display during the first half versus Costa Rica. This will in part require more clinical finishing from the players in front of goal. 

The team's forwards must assume more responsibility for scoring in future matches. Dating back to the 2010 World Cup, it is a well known fact that the goal-scoring rate of the strikers has been absolutely dismal.

The real test today, however, will be the team's ability to continue a free-flowing style of play while withstanding Belgium's offensive attack, as the Belgians certainly will not allow the Americans to comfortably take the game to them as Costa Rica did in the early goings.

Coach Jurgen Klinsmann will undoubtedly start the most veteran-laden side of any of the three matches he has coached, and it will be interesting to see how the US responds to the tactical adjustments he and his staff make as they reshape and mold the squad heading into World Cup qualifying.

Another interesting storyline will be the play of FC Dallas winger Brek Shea. Including Friday's friendly, he has gone the distance in several matches in the past two weeks, and his tired legs during the final half of the Costa Rica match reflected this.

Klinsmann will likely want Shea to test himself versus a team with ambitions to qualify for Euro 2012.

Whether he is able to add the same dynamic to the American attack given the miles he has logged will be a true measure of his progress in a season that has seen him elevate his game to the upper echelon of Major League Soccer players.

Also worth watching will be Klinsmann's deployment of Clint Dempsey.

The midfielder/forward is one of the most versatile players on the team and has often been moved around the pitch by various managers at the club and international level.

Last but not least, many eyes will be on the US backline.

There have already been rumblings amongst fans that Mexico-based players Michael Orozco Fiscal and Edgar Castillo simply do not have what it takes to compete at the international level and that their minutes should be split between up and comers such as Tim Ream and Omar Gonzalez, or Premiere League newcomer Zak Whitbread (Norwich City).