The United States will look to make history on Tuesday when it seeks out its second quarterfinals berth in 12 years. Back in 2002, the team managed a 2-0 win over Mexico before falling 1-0 to mighty Germany. But this year the Americans take on a Belgium side that is rather inexperienced and is beatable. Here is how both sides should approach the tactical battle in this round of 16 matchup.

How the USA can win

1.       Michael Bradley needs to step up offensively

It is a lot to put pressure on one player to carry his team offensively, but that is how the U.S. is built. Michael Bradley has had an inconsistent World Cup and his offensive miscues have cost his team an opportunity to reach the next level. That level was hinted at during the 2-2 draw with Portugal, but Bradley was also the scapegoat on the game tying goal. If Bradley is able to find his best form, then the Americans will have an essential offensive element that was lacking against Ghana and Germany.

2.       Possession

Belgium likes to keep the ball and pass it around patiently. In many ways they are this World Cup's edition of the 2010 Spain. The team has a ton of individual talent, but has been unable to bring all those players together to build a truly cohesive attacking unit. Thus far Belgium has succeeded when holding on to the ball and has struggled without it. This is how the USA can find its winning strategy.

Take the ball away from the Europeans and they will be facing a desperate side that may be prone to errors. The Americans exploited Portugal by keeping the ball and even had a few nice spells against Germany with the ball. If they can keep possession more consistently, then there is no reason to fear Belgium.

3.       Fire away

The Americans have struggled in the offensive third and one of the reasons for this is that they are simply trying to find a few final touches into the penalty area. Thibaut Courtois is arguably the greatest keeper in the world, but he is beatable so it will be on the American midfielders and forwards to rip shots at goal. Do it with abandon and something should click at some point. If the US continues its cautious approach when heading toward goal, then it might not get a chance to create opportunities.

The return of Jozy Altidore will be huge for this side as he not only allows them a player with strong hold-up play, but a player with a tremendous shot when he is given the chance to use it. Of course, caution applies when it relates to Altidore as his fitness is questionable at best after the game against Ghana.

How Belgium Will Win

1.       Possession

Belgium has been at its best when holding on to the ball and needs to continue playing this way to be successful. The U.S. backline has been disciplined but its offensive has lacked cohesion. If Belgium retains the ball throughout, then it will kill off a struggling offense and thus keep the United States out of the match. Allowing the U.S. to hold the ball for too long could help them build confidence and could be Belgium's down fall.

2.       Superstars must step up

Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and especially Eden Hazard must be at their peerless best. None of these players has really dominated for Belgium and that has been problematic for the team. Belgium has won all three games by the narrowest of margins and a lot of the goals have come late. The lack of early scoring has left the side vulnerable to opponent's own attacks and as evidenced during the Algeria game, Belgium is prone to mistakes when chasing the game. If the team manages an early goal, then it will be in complete control of the game. That means Lukaku must be sharper and De Bruyne and Hazard must find a way to get him open.

3.       Channel the History

Both of the teams know each other relatively well. Belgium beat the U.S. 1-0 at home in 2011 before destroying 4-2 in the United States in 2013. In the latter victory, the Belgians looked like they were on a completely different level from the U.S. In this tournament, they have no looked that way so the team will need to channel whatever it was that made it so dominant in previous games against the U.S. in order to move on to the round of 16.

Key Players

USA - Michael Bradley: The team's offense goes as he goes. He needs to be at his best mentally and physically is the U.S. hopes to stand a chance against the European giants.

Belgium - Eden Hazard: By his own standards he has been quiet. He had a nice assist against Russia, but his brilliance has rarely been on display otherwise. He needs to seize control and be the main man for his squad.