This Fourth of July weekend, if you are looking for a brief timewarp back to a moment in your lifetime when America felt almost normal, may I direct you to the last time the United States played Belgium in a World Cup. It was 2014, in Brazil — back before the World Cup routinely took place in countries with authoritarian regimes like Qatar, Russia and, uh, well…Anyway, the U.S. team, under coach Jurgen Klinsmann, had advanced to the Round of 16 to play a Belgium side that was heavily favored, and for good reason. The USMNT was outmanned throughout, giving up a stunning 26 shots on goal, all but two of which were saved by US keeper Tim Howard, who put together one of the greatest World Cup performances of all time. (And certainly the greatest United States World Cup performance of all time.) Belgium ended up winning 2-1—in a game in which they led in Expected Goals 5.66 to 1.4, which is to say, it was a blowout in every way except for Howard’s heroics—and Howard became such a national hero overnight that then-President Obama joked that he was considering replacing then Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel with Howard. “I know there’s actually a petition on the White House website to make Tim Howard the next secretary of defense. Chuck Hagel’s got that spot right now, but if there is a vacancy, I’ll think about it,” Obama said with a smile.

You might struggle to find too much about America that’s better right now than it was in 2014, but here’s one thing that definitely is: The United States Men’s National Soccer Team. As they prepare to play Belgium in the Round of 16 again on Monday night, it should be noted that they are no longer underdogs: the game is close to a toss-up. That, right there, is progress. It might be some of the only progress of the last 12 years, but it’s progress nonetheless.

Here’s an FAQ for all you need to know about Monday’s game.

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