World Cup 2014 Report: Backers flock to Belgium following epic USA win

Still nothing!: Origi got himself past Howard, but not the ball

Marc Wilmots' side may have needed extra time to find a way past an inspired Tim Howard, but Betfair customers liked what they saw from Belgium. Adam Shearwood looks at the Exchange reaction to their memorable Last 16 victory... 

Belgium v USA continued the pattern in the World Cup knockout stages for tightly contested matches that explode in late drama - either towards the end of 90 minutes, or in delirious bouts of extra time.

We've had some cracking late finishes so far - Netherlands v Mexico, Germany v Algeria - but Belgium v USA was the best, coming as it did at the end of a pulsating 90 minutes of open attacking football, jam-packed with honest endeavour.

No one epitomised the spirit of the game more than Tim Howard who blocked, clawed and tipped 16 on-target Belgian efforts away from his team's goal - a World Cup record for saves by a goalkeeper.

Belgium had traded at 11.5n/a pre-match to qualify in extra time, while the 90 minute Correct Score of 0-0 had savvy backers celebrating a 9.08/1 winner.

The biggest sweat of the night came, not from Tim Howard, but from backers of Belgium to qualify at 1.011/100 after Romelu Lukaku had added to Kevin De Bruyne's strike and made it 2-0 in extra time. It took a fine save from Thibaut Courtois to prevent Clint Dempsey from equalising for the USA at 2-2, and pushing the game into the coin toss of a penalty shootout. 1.011/100 bets landed!

The reaction on the 2014 Winner market to Belgium's eventual victory, was for their odds to tumble from 24.023/1 pre-match to 14.5n/a. Their Quarter Final opponents, Argentina, saw their odds drift to 5.85/1 from 5.49/2. Betfair customers appear to have taken stock of both sides' extra time wins in the Last 16, and given greater kudos to the Belgians.

Argentina remain favourites to progress to the Semi Finals although the betting is closer than might have been expected. Will Lionel Messi alone be enough to tip the balance of the quarter in their favour - Argentina are 1.584/7 to qualify, with Belgium at 2.77/4?