Spain are the reigning European champions. However, they lost the Nations League final last year and could not defend that title. At the World Cup, they started with a goalless draw against debutant Cape Verde. However, they went on to win every subsequent match without conceding: against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in the group stage, and Austria and Portugal in the playoffs. In fact, Ronaldo and his team scored their only goal in the 90+ minute.
Belgium topped their qualifying group, earning eighteen points from eight matches—two more than Wales. But at the World Cup finals, they started with draws against Egypt and Iran before thrashing New Zealand. It seemed the Europeans would be eliminated in the first playoff round, but after trailing 0-2, they pulled off a comeback win against Senegal. They then routed the USA 4-1, knocking out the tournament’s final “hosts.”
The European champions score an average of only 1.8 goals per match, but concede just 0.4. Rudy Garcia’s team, meanwhile, has 3.3 goals scored per game and concedes just 0.8.
Previous Matches: Spain vs Belgium
Spain have won each of the last five head-to-head meetings between the teams.
It is unlikely anything will change this time. We bet on another victory for Yamal and company (odds – 1.69).
Spain vs Belgium: Key Statistics and Trends
Spain have secured four consecutive clean-sheet victories
30% of Spain’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 2.2
Belgium have drawn three of their five tournament matches in regular time
60% of Belgium’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 4.1
Spain vs Belgium: Probable Starting Lineups
Spain are likely to play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Simon – Cucurella, Laporte, Cubarsi, Porro – Pedri, Rodri – Alex Baena, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal – Oyarzabal
Belgium are also likely to use a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Courtois – De Keyper, Mechele, Ngoy, Castagne – Raskin, Vanaken – Trossard, Tielemans, Lukebakio – De Ketelaere. Onana will not play.
