World Cup photos: Howard's heroics in vain as Belgium edge USA 2-1

[caption id=“attachment_1598975” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  In an intensely contested match, Belgium beat USA 2-1 to qualify for the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup. Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku scored in the extra time to send the Belgium fans into a frenzy at at the Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador. Romelu Lukaku celebrates with Kevin De Bruyne (R) after scoring a goal. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1598969” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  U.S. President Barack Obama was all pumped up for the big clash. Here he leads a chant of “I believe that we will win” as he arrives at a viewing party of the World Cup match between the U.S. and Belgium, in an auditorium at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1598957” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Belgium’s Marouane Fellaini kicks the ball near Jermaine Jones of the U.S. Belgium started off on a positive note and dominated the first half but unfortunately, they went into the break without scoring. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1598959” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Belgium’s Divock Origi throws himself into the goal net, behind goalkeeper Tim Howard of the U.S, after missing an opportunity to score a goal. Origi was a constant threat to the USA defense as he combined well with Edin Hazard to create chances. Two of his shots were saved by Tim Howard while one of his headers hit the crossbar. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1598977” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Goalkeeper Tim Howard was the hero of the match for USA as he single-handedly kept his team in the match. He made a staggering 15 saves, more than any other player in a single game in the World Cup since 1966. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1598965” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  A brave defense and heroic performance from Howard meant that USA somehow made it to the extra time. But soon after, Kevin De Bruyne (7) broke the deadlock as he latched onto a loose ball and shot it into the far corner to give Belgium the lead. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1598973” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne forms a heart shape with his hands as his teammates gather around him to celebrate his goal. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1598963” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Romelu Lukaku replaced Divock Origi going into the extra time and the substitution proved to be inspirational. He played a part in Belgium’s first goal and then scored the second goal to make it 2-0 in the 105th minute. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1598961” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Just when it seemed it was all over for the USA, Julian Bradley provided a twist in the tale as he pulled one back via a stunning volley. It was his first ever touch of the ball in World Cup. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1598967” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  USA upped the ante in search of an equaliser. Clint Dempsey and Jermaine Jones had chances to take it to penalties but they scuffed their chances. Belgium fans rejoiced as they made it to the quarterfinals for the first time in 28 years. Reuters[/caption]