Belgium vs Canada Predictions

• Belgium have conceded in 11 of their last 13 games, with BTTS landing in 10 of those
• The Red Devils were the top scoring side at the last World Cup with 16 goals
• Canada scored 23 times across World Cup qualifying
• Jonathan David has hit 22 goals in 35 internationals and he has nine strikes in 15 Ligue 1 matches this season

Belgium have renewed hope for Qatar

This incredible Belgian side has probably already peaked, but the reports of their demise and failure have been grossly exaggerated. With Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard at 31 and Romelu Lukaku and Thorgan Hazard both 29, it would be a shock if they didn’t appear at Euro 2024 in just over 18 months’ time.

Those players all played key roles in Belgium squads which have fallen short in recent tournaments, but they lost to the eventual winners in 2018 and in last year’s Euros. Four years ago they recorded Belgium’s greatest-ever finish at the World Cup, while a crop of talented youngsters head to Qatar with the hope of forming the next great Belgian side.

However, the squad which heads to Qatar has aged considerably in defence, which could be their downfall in Qatar.

Belgium can be great entertainers

Belgium were the top-scoring side at the 2018 World Cup, racking up 16 goals. They hit another nine in five games at Euro 2020, while the creative forces of Hazard and De Bruyne should see them thrill in Qatar. While Lukaku isn’t quite at full fitness, Michy Batshuayi hit three goals in their last Nations League campaign and great service can help him make an impact.

However, there are serious defensive concerns for the Red Devils. Their seven defenders include the creaking legs of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, who have 266 caps and 68 years on earth between them. The rest include a 19-year-old from Anderlecht, a 22-year-old from Rennes and two representatives from Leicester City. Borussia Dortmund’s Thomas Meunier is a great option, but he’s expected to miss the opener through injury.

In short, Thibaut Courtois will need to be at his best to cover for the gaps emerging in front of him.

David leads Canada’s attacking threat

Canada are seen as one of the biggest underdogs in Qatar, but they topped a qualifying campaign ahead of the USA and Mexico – two sides widely predicted to make the last 16. They scored 23 goals in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying, more than any other side. They have what both their big North American rivals lack – genuine cutting edge in attack.

Club Brugge striker Cyle Larin should be familiar to Belgium, as should former Gent forward Jonathan David. David has since moved to Lille, where he has hit 37 goals in 90 Ligue 1 games. He’s also struck 22 goals in 35 internationals, which is a brilliant record at this level. The forward is only 22 and he’s hit nine goals in 15 Ligue 1 games this term, so he’s going to be a huge threat to Belgium’s defence.

Red Devils to overcome concerns

There’s a big gulf in talent between the two sides, but this top-heavy Canadian side can exploit the issues which Belgium have. The Red Devils have kept only two clean sheets across their last 13 matches, which came against Poland and Burkina Faso. Both teams have scored in 10 of those matches, so goals can be expected in this clash.

I see Canada falling just short in this one, with Belgium winning their last seven matches in the World Cup group stages. Back them to secure a narrow 2-1 win, with their attacking quality likely to edge this one.

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