Belgium and Senegal will face each other in the round of 32 of the World Cup in Seattle on 1 July.
The Belgian national team
A convincing victory in their third group stage match was enough for the Belgians to secure top spot in Group G. In their final group stage match, the European side were on the brink of elimination. However, thanks to their biggest ever World Cup victory (5–1 against New Zealand), they managed to progress to the next round.
During the group stage, Belgium averaged seven shots on target per match. In their last six matches, the team have conceded just one goal in the second half.
Romelu Lukaku remains the main force in attack. He could score in two consecutive World Cup matches for the second time – he already achieved this in 2018.
Senegal
Senegal’s Pape Gueye was directly involved in three of his team’s five goals in their final group stage match. He is now just one goal involvement away from the Senegalese World Cup record for a single player.
Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy will miss this round due to a knee injury.
More than 3.5 goals have been scored in five of Senegal’s last six matches. Ten of the team’s last twelve goals have been scored after half-time.
Belgium v Senegal prediction
The Belgians are tipped as favourites for the match. However, the team is no longer regarded as the attacking force it once was. They build attacks from midfield to a high standard, but their finishing remains a weakness.
Senegal are capable of mounting dangerous attacks and creating plenty of chances. Both teams have recently scored five goals each, so betting on over 3.5 goals could prove to be a sound bet.
Both teams to score
