Iceland vs Belgium
It’s back to business after the World Cup for two of Europe’s most popular teams when UEFA Nations League comes to town.
The hosts welcome one of the best sides in the world to their beautiful country—population just over 300,000 and a quarter of the inhabitants of Brussels alone. But what they lack in size, the Icelanders make up for in passion and guts.
Belgium, in contrast, are a team of football wizards, not long since the best in the world. However, for Coach Roberto Martinez, the stark reality is that the Red Devils have not yet matched their potential with results.
But these two teams had markedly different performances in the run-up to this clash. Belgium outclassed Scotland with a 0-4 win while Iceland were slaughtered 6-0 by Switzerland.
Talking Points
Can Martinez turn Belgium into winners?
This Belgium team has been talked about as the Golden Generation for a while now, without winning anything. England fans who watched the likes of Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, and John Terry underperform spectacularly for a decade know just how the Belgians feel.
The Red Devils have in their number some of the best players in the world, including Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois to name but three. But time is running out for some, and Martinez will need to find replacements in time.
Romelu Lukaku seems to be finding his feet at Old Trafford and is becoming the immense presence he always promised, with his combination of pace and power. He bullied Burnley’s normally resolute defence last week in an explosive 45 minutes when he grabbed a brace. And he was on target again in Belgium’s destruction of Scotland.
The Red Devils have some big names ready to take on Iceland, including Courtois and Hazard who have 95 caps at the age of 27. But Manchester City star De Bruyne is one of a few out with injury, paving the way for Gent’s young midfielder Birger Verstraete and Genk’s exciting striker Leandro Trossard to be called up for the Belgium squad.
What next for the Icemen?
Iceland’s coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has resigned after seven years in charge of the team, a period in which they have become one of the most popular in the world— with a never say die attitude, a team which exceeds the sum of its parts and their fantastic thunder clapping fans.
The Iceland supporters aren’t used to their team capitulating, but they conceded four second-half goals in their drubbing at the hands of Switzerland. Iceland, nonetheless, remain a team full of ambition and pride and have retained a humility which gets the neutrals on its side.
A draw with Argentina in Russia was beyond the fans’ wildest dreams, but a powerful Nigeria side and the highly talented Croatia proved too strong for their team.
Halgrimsson’s departure has opened the door for former Sweden boss Erik Hamren, who has a couple of key players missing in his first competitive match on home soil. Skipper Aron Gunnarsson and skilful winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson are both injured.
But the jewel in Iceland’s crown, Everton’s Gylfi Sigurdsson, is available. His ability to pull the strings in midfield and turn a game with a moment of individual brilliance always gives the Iceland faithful hope.
If given the right avenue, Sigurdsson can certainly be a regular fixture in the UEFA Nations League 2018 highlights.
History
The previous matchups between the two nations have all gone in the Red Devils’ favour, the last being a 3-1 win in 2014 when Lukaku climbed off the bench to score. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a similar outcome next week.
The form guide for these two teams couldn’t be more contrasting. Belgium have won six of the last seven, the only loss being the narrow semi-final defeat to France at the World Cup 2018. Meanwhile, Iceland have lost five and drawn two over the same period.
Betting Tip
 |
 |
Iceland vs Belgium | Over 2.50 @ 1.86 |
| September 12, 02:45 (GMT+8) |
The UEFA Nations League 2018 betting odds pitch the Red Devils as strong favourites at 1.35, the draw at 4.70 and Iceland at 8.00. And here at SBOBET, we can see a two-goal margin, with Belgium at 2.08 to win with a -1.50 handicap and Hamren’s men at 1.84 with that start.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
|
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
