Spain
Spain have still to concede a goal in this world cup and look on course to jutify their tag as favourites for the tournament. They have an ability to keep the ball for long periods of time and tire their opponents out and punishing them late on .
Luis de la Fuente’s side breezed through their Qualifying group with a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia and a 1-0 victory over Uruguay as well as the aforementioned 0-0 draw with Cape Verde. That was enough to top the group.
The knockout stages has brought a comfortable 3-0 victory over Austria in the round of 32 before seeing off Portugal in the last 16 thanks to a last gasp Mikel Merino goal. Despite the narrow margin of victory the Spanish dominated the game.
Injuries & Team News
Spain have not made many changed throughout this World Cup and don’t expect to see many here in the Quarter Final with Belgium.
If there is an opening in the starting line up it could come in midfield with Mikel Merino pushing hard for a start and he is a favourite of De La Fuente. Although unlikely it would be Pedri to make way.
There was lots of noise about the fitness of Nico Williams before the tournament and although he is still not full fit, the form of Alex Baena has meant they have not missed the Bilbao man too much.
Mikel Oyazarbal has an unbelievable recent record in Internationals, he has been involved in 24 Spanish goals in his last 17 Starts.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-0 vs Portugal |
W D W W W W
|
Predicted Line-Up
Spain possible starting lineup:
Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal
Belgium
Just how have Belgium made it this far and within 3 wins off being crowned World Champions ? They started the tournament in dreadul form and looked very likely to be on the first plane home.
They were handed what looked on paper an easy group with Egypt, New Zealand and Iran but struggled to a 1-1 draw in the opener with Egypt before a lacklustre 0-0 draw with Iran, knowing they needed a win in the final game with New Zealand it all came together in a 5-1 win.
They were 4 minutes away from Elimination and in a dire situation when 2-0 down to Senegal in the round of 32 but two goals in 4 minutes sent it to extra time before the nicked it in the 125th Minute (Time added on).
That handed them a tie with co-host USA in the round of 16, the lead-up to the game was shrounded in controversy with the inclusion of Folarin Balogun but the Belgians shrugged that off and blew the Americans away finishing as 4-1 winners.
Injuries & Team News
There was a major blow for Coach Rudi Garcia in the game with USA as Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana suffered an ACL Injury which will keep him out of the rest of the world cup and much of next season with his club.
Garcia has to decide on Hans Vanakan or Dodi Lukabakio to replace him with Vanakan the most likely.
With Romelu Lukaku still struggling for full fitness, in-form Charles de Ketelaere will lead the line for Belgium fresh off his 2 goals against the USA.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 4-1 vs USA | W D D W W W |
Predicted Line-Up
Belgium possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Vanaken, Tielemans; Lukebakio, De Bruyne, Trossard; De Ketelaere
Betting Odds
ntina
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Spain Win | 1.60 | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 4.00 | Dream Vegas |
| Belgium Win | 5.50 | 247Bet |
Prediction
Spain 2-0 Belgium
Belgium keep surprising me at this world cup but surely their journey ends here against the European Champions, i just can’t see Belgium getting enough ball to create and hurt Spain.