Belgium’s recent performances at the Euros and Nations League have not been their best, but they have improved under current coach Rudi Garcia. They won their qualifying group with eighteen points from eight matches — two more than Wales. In friendlies, they mostly came out on top, drawing only with Mexico. At the World Cup, they struggled for a long time against Egypt after conceding first. However, Lukaku, who came on as a substitute, battled through the defense to seal a final 1-1 draw.
Iran confirmed their quality with 23 points from ten games. Despite domestic challenges, they managed to win friendlies against Costa Rica, Zambia, and Mali, each time by a margin of at least two goals. At the World Cup against New Zealand, they nearly stumbled: they conceded twice but responded each time, ultimately salvaging a 2-2 draw.
European side Belgium averages 3.2 goals per game, conceding much less — just 0.7. The Persian Gulf team scores an average of 1.6 goals per game, while conceding 0.8 on average.
Previous Matches: Belgium vs Iran
This will be the first head-to-head meeting between the sides.
Both teams realize that only a win will do. We expect attacking football and a total of over 2.5 goals (odds — 1.9).
Belgium vs Iran: Key Statistics and Trends
Belgium has not lost since March of last year
50% of Belgium’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 3.9
Iran has won four of their last six matches
40% of Iran’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 2.4
Belgium vs Iran: Possible Starting Lineups
Belgium is likely to play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Courtois — Mechele, Ngoy, Meunier, Castagne — Onana, Tielemans — Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard — De Ketelaere.
Iran is likely to play in a 1-4-4-2 formation (possible lineup): Beiranvand — Khalilzadeh, Mohammadi, Yousefi, Nemati — Rezaeian, Ezzatollahi, Ghoddos, Mohebi — Taremi, Moghanlou.
