Belgium vs Canada
It will be a big battle of the reds as Belgium face Canada in their opening game of World Cup 2022 Group F.
The World Cup 2022 betting odds have the Red Devils as the red-hot favourites to emerge top of Group F, but Belgium will likely be without top striker Romelu Lukaku for most, if not all of the group stage.
However, they must not underrate Les Rouges, who have a couple of dangerous youngsters in Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies leading the way up front.
Talking Points
Belgium begin World Cup without Lukaku
Belgium will begin what is likely their last chance to win the World Cup with this ageing Golden Generation without one of its key members.
That is because top striker Romelu Lukaku is unlikely to be fit for the team’s group opener as he continues to deal with a thigh injury. Lukaku is the country’s all-time leading goal scorer with 68 goals in 102 caps, and his absence will be a massive blow to the Belgians, who are trying to overcome their history of disappointment in major tournaments.
Michy Batshuayi, who has 26 goals in 48 caps, has started the team’s last six games in Lukaku’s absence and will likely get the nod to lead the line against Canada. Veteran striker Dries Mertens (21 goals in 107 caps), Leandro Trossard and young Lens forward Lois Openda will be options off the bench.
With Lukaku’s absence, captain Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne will have more responsibility in attack as they try to produce World Cup 2022 highlights for the Red Devils.
While Hazard has hardly had any playing time for Real Madrid over the last couple of years, De Bruyne remains one of the top midfielders in the world. The 31-year-old has been in fantastic form for Manchester City, with three goals and 12 assists this season.
De Bruyne will likely be deployed in a more advanced midfield role, with Axel Witsel and a younger midfielder – most likely Youri Tielemans – tasked with protecting Belgium’s ageing back three led by Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.
Canada’s young stars ready to shine
Canada have qualified for the World Cup for just the second time in their history and their first since 1986. Les Rouges have enjoyed a football renaissance in recent years as they’ve begun producing some high-quality youngsters who are ready to announce themselves on the world stage.
Leading that pack are 22-year-olds Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich and Jonathan David of Lille, who have been making a major impact while playing in Europe’s top leagues.
David, who is having another fine season with French side Lille, has already scored 22 goals in 35 caps, just three goals behind all-time leading scorer Cyle Larin, who is also on the squad.
Meanwhile, Davies has declared that he is set to start against Belgium despite concerns about his fitness amid a nagging hamstring injury. The electric pace of Davies will be one of Canada’s main weapons as they look to catch Belgium’s ageing defence on the counterattack.
While Canada have ample talent in attack, there are a bit more concerns about how their defence will hold up, especially against a quality side like Belgium. But Les Rouges did concede the fewest goals in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying with seven goals, with coach John Herdman constructing a cohesive and organised defensive unit despite lacking top defenders.
History
Belgium and Canada have met just once before on the football pitch. That came in a 1989 friendly, which the Belgians won 2-0.
In terms of World Cup history, Belgium have the clear edge. This is their third consecutive World Cup finals; they made the quarter-finals in 2014 and the semi-finals in 2018. As for Canada, they lost all three of their World Cup group games in their lone appearance in 1986.
Betting Tip
SBOTOP odds have Belgium installed as big 2.13 favourites to win their World Cup 2022 group opener. Canada are priced at 6.80 and a draw is 3.90.
Despite Lukaku’s absence, there’s still ample ability in Belgium’s side. De Bruyne is quite capable of unlocking the Canadian defence, which is lacking in both quality and experience.
Having said that, the Canadians are young and energetic, and perhaps more importantly, they have two playmakers who are capable of getting them goals.
Look for Les Rouges to give the Red Devils a good battle in the opener, with the Canadians possibly claiming a point from the Belgians.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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