USA have held Belgium to a goalless half-time draw in their second-round World Cup encounter in Salvador tonight.

Just 40 seconds had elapsed when Marc Wilmots's side signalled their intent, as Divock Origi - a surprise inclusion - nearly justified his selection but his angled shot was saved by the foot of Tim Howard.

The USA swiftly developed a foothold and might have taken a 21st-minute lead through Clint Dempsey, who fired straight into the arms of Thibaut Courtois following good interplay with Michael Bradley.

Belgium should have gone ahead moments later as Jan Vertonghen led a counter-attack through the heart of the Americans' midfield but, after squaring to the unmarked Kevin De Bruyne, the former Chelsea man dragged his shot agonisingly wide.

Jurgen Klinsmann's charges finished the half in the ascendancy and spurned a good opportunity to steal a half-time lead, as Jermaine Johnson sliced DeAndre Yedlin's cut-back wide in what proved to be the last chance before the interval.

Written by
Shane Callaghan