Extra-time substitute Romelu Lukaku scored one and made another goal as Belgium held on to claim a thrilling 2-1 win over USA to set up a quarterfinal clash with Argentina at the World Cup.

Belgium got the first chance of the game after just 42 seconds when Divock Origi won possession and shot low towards goal only for USA goalkeeper Tim Howard to put the effort behind for a cornerkick.

That set the tone for the rest of the match as Belgium dominated possession and created goalscoring chances but were denied each time by the American goalkeeper.

USA also had their chances to score in what was an open match that also witnessed a pitch invader in the 15th minute, but both sides were let down by their final touch as the first half ended goalless.

The fast pace of the match was sustained in the second half, with Howard denying Kevin de Bruyne minutes into the half before the Belgian midfielder and Origi somehow missed a low cross in from Jan Vertonghen when a touch from either player would likely have meant a goal for a Belgium in the 54th minute.

Origi would go closest to breaking the deadlock two minutes later but the Lille striker’s looping header bounced off the USA crossbar with Howard beaten.

Belgium were clearly in control now but failed to capitalise, with Origi shooting straight at Howard with 20 minutes left in normal time and Kevin Mirallas being denied soon after by the impressive Howard.

Howard would go on to deny Eden Hazard and Origi again in the closing stages as the match was forced to extra-time; the fifth match to go into extra-time in the second round.

Chelsea striker Lukaku was brought on for Origi and made his impact two minutes into extra-time, setting up De Bruyne to open the scoring for Belgium.

And after being denied twice by Howard, Lukaku doubled Belgium’s lead on the stroke of half-time of extra-time, running on to a lay-off by De Bruyne to make it 2-0.

USA however ensured a dramatic finish after substitute Julian Green, on for Alejandro Bedoya at half-time of extra-time, pulled one back just two minutes into the second extra-time period with a poked effort from eight yards out.

Both sides had chances to score afterwards but were thwarted by both goalkeepers as Belgium held on to reach the last eight where they meet Argentina.

Belgium’s win ensures it is the first time ever that the quarterfinals of a World Cup would be contested by nations that finished top of their groups.