Belgium vs Canada: Live Match Preview, Injury news, and Lineup win predictions FIFA World Cup 2022
Canada will meet Belgium in their first World Cup match in 36 years on Wednesday at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
Match Preview:
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez is also under pressure to perform for the country, after setbacks in Euro 2020 and previous Nations League finals sparked resentment among fans.
They qualified with perfect ease once again during UEFA qualification, averaging more than three goals per game, yet they frequently underperform when it truly matters at key competitions, as was their setback to Italy in the European Championships last summer.
Martinez has been accused of not understanding how to win, particularly after their Nations League relegation to France, when they fell 2-0 due to a late Theo Hernandez score.
Losing at home and away to neighbors Netherlands lately did not go down well, and a defeat to Egypt in a warm-up friendly means they have lost back-to-back games for the first time since 2014.
There is no disputing their offensive talent, which is led by Manchester City great Kevin De Bruyne.
Sixteen goals in the 2018 World Cup helped them top the scoring statistics as a country, as Martinez's style of play fits offensive talent extremely well, as Romelu Lukaku began his career in the Premier League under Martinez's supervision.
However, Lukaku's injury problems mean that Martinez will need to find a replacement up front, and Michy Batshuayi's form in Turkey this season has been impressive in addition to his excellent scoring stats for Belgium, as the ex-Chelsea man has a record of more than one goal every two games for his country.
While the mood in the Belgian camp may not be the best right now, attitudes in the Canadian camp could not be greater.
The Maple Leafs won the CONCACAF region's last phase of qualification ahead of Mexico and the United States, scoring the most goals and conceding the fewest.
Canada may utilize this tournament as a free hit in their preparation for the 2026 World Cup on home soil, despite having a primarily youthful and inexperienced side at this level.
While the squad's major stars are all attacking, creating a strong defense has been critical to Canada's progress over the last four years, as they preserved seven clean sheets throughout the final stage, not surrendering more than once in any game.
Canada's performance on the road in qualifying, when they won only two of seven games, and in their most recent CONCACAF Nations League encounter, which they lost on the road in Honduras, is the reason for concern.
Herdman will hope it was only a hiccup since attacking combo Cyle Larin and Jonathan David did not start that game, but their performance outside of Canada does not appear encouraging at the moment.
Despite having a very difficult group on paper, they will be confident of improving on their only previous finals appearance in 1986, when they lost all three games without scoring. However, with a much better squad this time around, they will be confident of improving on that.
Match Timings and Head to Head
Kick off : 12:30 AM (IST) , 7 PM (GMT)
Belgium form (All comps): D-W-W-L-L
Canada form (All comps): L-W-L-D-W
Live Match Preview:
Players to Watch:
Kevin De Bruyne:
One of the finest midfielders in the world now was once a Chelsea reject. In 94 games for Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne has tallied 25 goals and 46 assists. The Manchester City midfielder is famous for giving his strikers first-rate assists and support.
In 19 appearances for Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne has already contributed 13 assists, living up to his reputation (throughout all competitions). Being a vital player for Belgium allows Kevin to further establish his position as one of the top midfielders.
Alphonso Davies:
The Roadrunner, to quote Thomas Muller. On November 5th, Davies suffered a hamstring injury. Davies said he needed 10 days of rehabilitation to recuperate just 10 days before Canada's World Cup debut.
The left-back for Bayern Munich kept his promise and completed the task within the limited time frame. One of the quickest football players is Davies. He has already established himself as one of the top left-backs in the world while playing for Bayern Munich. Davies' presence in the backline will benefit Canada on offense and defense even though he is still not fully fit.
In Canada's ranks are people like Cyle Larin and Jonathan David. The acquisition of Alphonso Davies can undoubtedly help Canada secure a qualifying slot.
Team News and Injuries:
Romelu Lukaku, a crucial player for Belgium, is expected to miss his team's opening two games. Since August, the Inter Milan striker has only been able to play for a total of 29 minutes. He is suffering from a thigh issue, thus Michy Batshuayi will take his place.
The presence of Kevin De Bruyne is unquestionably anticipated. However, Eden Hazard, who has struggled for Real Madrid, is the major talent who can represent his country with Kevin.
Alphonso Davies arrived just in time to clinch his critical spot in the Canadian starting XI. Davies previously had a hamstring problem, but he now says he is fit to play. Jonathan David of Lille is the most important player up front after Davies.
Belgium Predicted Line-up (4-3-3):
Thibaut Courtois, Debast, Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Meunier, Youri Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne, Carrasco, Michy Batshuayi
Canada Predicted Line-up (3-4-3):
Borjan, Johnston, Davies, Vitoria, Laryea, Hutchinson, Eustaqio, Adekgube, Buchanan, David, Larin
Belgium vs Canada Prediction:
Belgium is anticipated to defeat Canada. However, with Davies' support, Canada may now also surprise Belgium. Although it is less likely, Canada should not be underrated.
Win Prediction:
Belgium 2-1 Canada
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