The 2022 FIFA World Cup is still going on as the seasoned Belgian team prepares to face a young Canadian team looking to make an impression at the highest level on Wednesday at the Al Rayyan Stadium.
The usual suspects have been selected by Roberto Martinez for the World Cup team.
Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Axel Witsel, Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, and Dries Mertens have all played more than 100 times for Belgium as attackers.
Thibaut Courtois, the goalkeeper, and Kevin De Bruyne, the midfielder, are not far behind.
Martinez, a former Everton player, has been in charge since 2016. Results under his leadership have been decidedly inconsistent.
Despite the clear talent on hand, Belgium has struggled to make an impression at international competitions, which has understandably infuriated many Belgian supporters.
Canada has only ever competed in one World Cup competition.
Prior to becoming manager, John Herdman oversaw the Canadian women’s national team. He was chosen to lead the men’s team in 2018 and has since won praise for his efforts on behalf of the group.
Back to Belgium, it will be interesting to see who Roberto Martinez selects for Belgium’s starting lineup. He has previously stated that a three-man backline is his preferred formation.
Given that the combined age of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, two regular features in the defense for Belgium, is 68, it makes sense to stick to that defensive strategy.
Leandro Trossard has been urged to start ahead of Eden Hazard in the attack, and this is understandable.
Trossard, however, has previously demonstrated his ability to play as a wing-back at the club level, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see the 27-year-old inserted into the lineup to take advantage of his strong play.
Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, two rising stars for Canada, are the centre of their team. Stephen Eustaquio and Cyle Larin are two examples of the numerous Canadian internationals who compete for European teams.
So can Canada surprise Belgium?!
Lets see what the betting market suggests!
1×2 Betting Odds
The market thinks Canada will not be able to surprise Belgium, as the bookmarkers have marked Keven De Bruyne side as the favourites.
The odds for a Belgium win stands at 1.55 while those for a Canada win stand at a farfetched 7.5.
The odds of points being shared are at a dismal 4.5!
Will this be a high scoring game or low scoring game?
Total goals over/under
The odds that this match will have more than 2.5 goals stands at 1.8.
While the odds that it will have less than 2.5 goals scored, stands at 2.15.
So, the market believes this match will have a lot of goals, and that Belgium will win it!
