On Wednesday night, Belgium and Canada kick off their campaigns in Group F of the World Cup as both teams look to make a winning start to Qatar 2022.
Belgium form guideThe Red Devils qualified for World Cup 2022 by winning Group E of European qualifying, unbeaten and having recorded six wins in their eight qualifiers. Roberto Martinez’s team were highly effective at both ends of the field in qualifying, scoring 26 goals and conceding just six. They will be hoping to produce similar displays at the World Cup.
Despite an undoubtedly talented squad, Belgium head into this game on the back of two straight defeats against the Netherlands and Egypt. Their recent outings have been relatively high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in five of their last eight outings.
Belgium finished third place at the World Cup in 2018 in Russia, but the Red Devils will be hoping to do even better in Qatar.
Canada form guideJohn Herdman’s team became only the second Canadian team to qualify for a World Cup by finishing top of the standings in the CONCACAF Qualifying section.
Canada’s only ever other appearance at a World Cup was in 1986 when they lost all three of their group games. However, there is a confidence that the class of 2022 will produce a far better showing, with several players highly-rated players in their squad, including Bayern Munich’s Alphonse Davies.
Canada has enjoyed a mixed set of results prior to the World Cup, winning two, losing two and drawing one of their last five international matches. Their recent matches have been high-scoring, with at least two goals scored in their previous six games.
What am I backing?Although Belgium hasn’t been in great recent form, I am backing the Red Devils to record a comfortable win in this one.