'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
After making hard work of their opening encounter with Algeria, Marc Wilmots’ Belgian outfit will be looking to set the record straight against Russian side, who know that a defeat might just make it impossible for them to get out of the Group stage. With both sides keen on winning, it might just make for an absorbing clash of two different styles. It will be Belgium’s young attacking talent against the resolute Russian defence and it will be the winner takes all in this fascinating clash at the Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janiero on Sunday.
Trending
Venue
Belgium’s crucial clash against Russia will take place at Brazil’s most legendary stadium located in the second largest city in Brazil. The new and improved Maracana, which will host this year’s final will be the venue for this clash between Group H’s two biggest teams. Located at sea level, the altitude shouldn’t be a problem for either side and the stage is set for an enthralling encounter in Brazil’s biggest stadium.
Kickoff Time
June 22 – 9.30 pm – Indian Standard Time (IST)
June 22 – 12.00 pm – Local Time
Possible Starting Line ups
Tottenham duo of Mousa Dembélé and Nacer Chadli both disappointed in the opening game and are likely to be replaced by their substitutes Dries Mertens and Marouane Fellaini. Arguably Wilmots’ biggest concern is the fitness of the captain Vincent Kompany, who is nursing a groin strain ahead of the encounter. If he is ruled out Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen is likely to take his place.
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alderweireld, Kompany, Van Buyten, Vertonghen; Witsel, Fellaini; Mertens, Bruyne, Hazard; Lukaku.
Much like Belgium, Russia’s opening game saw two substitutes come on and make a big difference. Kerzhakov and Dzagoev came from the bench and helped earn the Russians a point and both are expected to start against Belgium. The major question for Capello would be, whether to drop Akinfeev or not. But given his two replacements only have four caps between them that seems highly unlikely.
Russia (4-3-2-1): Akinfeev; Eschenko, Berezoutski, Ignashevitch, Kombarov; Denisov, Samedov; Fayzulin, Dzagoev, Zhirkov; Kerzhakov.
Key Facts and Stats
- Belgium are unbeaten against Russia (W2 D1) since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with their last encounter being a 2-0 victory in a friendly in November 2010.
- This is their second meeting at the World, their last one was when they beat them 3-2 in the group stage of the 2002 edition.
- Romelu Lukaku failed to register a single touch in the opposition half in the opening game against Algeria, whereas Kerzhakov scored within three minutes of coming on against South Korea.
- Belgium accrued their best possession stats (67.1%) since 1966 in their game against Algeria.
- Russia’s last eight World Cup goals have come after half-time.
- Thibaut Courtois is yet to lose a match with the Belgium national team (P18 W12 D6).
- Marouane Fellaini scored his first World Cup goal within five minutes after coming on as a substitute versus Algeria. He didn’t score a single goal in 1431 minutes for Manchester United in the 2013-14 season.
Key Battles
Eden Hazard vs. Andrey Yeshchenko
Arguably the most talented attacker in the current Belgium line up, Eden Hazard had a quiet game against Algeria and will be looking to improve on his performances as he starts on the left of a three man attacking midfield. The man tasked with the responsibility of marking him will be Russia’s right back Andrey Yeschenko. This clash will be crucial to Russia’s hopes of keeping a clean sheet, for if they can’t contain the mercurial Hazard then it might just turn into a rout.
Aleksandr Kerzhakov vs Vincent Kompany
After his goal against South Korea, Aleksandr Kerzhakov joined Vladimir Beschastnykh as Russia’s joint-top scorer with 26 goals. Kerzhakov is expected to take his place in the starting line-up and will be crucial to his side’s chances of scoring a goal against the Belgians. Kompany is already a doubt for this clash with his groin strain, but if he does make it, he will have his work cut out for him against Kerzhakov who will be looking to take top spot in his country’s goal scoring charts all by himself. Given Russia’s defensive tactics, Kerzhakov will likely be left alone in an attacking sense and will have to forage for himself. If he does come out on top and score, there is a very good chance that Russia might just be able to snatch an unlikely win.
Prediction
Much like their opening game against Algeria, Belgium can expect Russia to sit deep and hit them on the counter. But, given Russia’s superior attack, the Belgians will face a much tougher task defensively. In the end, expect Belgium’s superior attacking threat to come through, not by much but by just enough.
Predicted Score line: Belgium 1-0 Russia
Match Officials
Referee: Felix Brych (GER)
Assistant referee 1: Mark Borsch (GER)
Assistant referee 2: Stefan Lupp (GER)
Fourth official: Carlos Vera (ECU)
