In football, it is one thing to have a golden generation of players, but it is an entirely another thing to win a trophy with that same group of players. There was the Brazil team of the 1980s that was unsuccessful in winning a World Cup, and then there was the golden age of English players who were even less successful. In the event that Belgium does not succeed in winning the World Cup in Qatar, the Red Devils will be added to the list of golden generations that were unable to win to the level of their ability.
And their last chance to win the World Cup begins with a match against Canada, a squad that has all the ingredients to become a giant slayer. The only player that stands out as a noticeable omission is Divock Origi, who has been suffering for form at AC Milan. The team’s manager, Roberto Martinez, has unveiled a very strong roster.
The fact that Roberto Martinez gives players a lengthy leash based on their reputation rather than their form is one of the most serious charges that can be leveled against him. This time around, though, Martinez has strengthened the team by recruiting some really talented young players. Belgium’s future generation includes players such as Jeremy Doku, Lois Openda, Wout Faes, Arthur Theate, Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana, and Charles De Ketelaere, all of whom have the potential to give an additional spark for their side in Qatar.
A contentious issue in Qatar
Defence destroyers
This will be Canada’s second participation in the World Cup, the first one coming in 1986. The Canadians secured their spot in the CONCACAF tournament by finishing first in both of their qualification groups. During the qualifying round, they were the team who scored the most goals and gave up the fewest.
John Herdman has chosen a team that is both youthful and courageous for this mission. The majority of the players make their living in European countries. The Maple Leafs, who are competing in the World Cup for the first time in 36 years, have been placed in one of the most difficult groups. The squad will compete in Group F against Belgium, Morocco, and Croatia, who finished as runners-up in the 2018 World Cup.
Canada, on the other hand, has nothing to worry about and is certain that the current crop of players will develop into a formidable team by the time the World Cup is played on Canadian soil in four years. Orchestrators-in-chief: The ten greatest midfielders in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
Belgium against Canada team news
The most important thing for Belgium to know is whether or not their star striker Romelu Lukakau will be well enough to play in the game. The injury to the Belgian’s biceps femoris muscle occurred when he was playing for Inter Milan, and as a result, he has been out for the last month. Michy Batshuayi, who plays for Fenerbahce, is the player most likely to take his position if he is unable to recover in time. Despite his recent struggles with Real Madrid, Eden Hazard will continue to be a key part of the assault. As a result of his strong play in defense, Zeno Debast, who is just 19 years old, is being considered for a starting position for Anderlecht.
Belgium Predicted Line-up: Courtois; Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Debast; Meunier, Tielemans, Witsel, Carrasco; De Bruyne, Batshuayi, E Hazard
The fact that just five members of Canada’s World Cup roster are older than 30 years of age demonstrates the nation’s faith in its younger players. However, the most significant concern is whether or not Alphonso Davies will be fit to play in the match. The injury occurred when the 22-year-old was playing for Bayern Munich, and although Davies claimed that he was alright despite the injury, the ultimate decision would be made by the Canadian medical staff.
Despite the fact that he is 39 years old, Canada’s captain Atiba Hutchinson will be the important player in the middle of the field and will add experience to the squad.
Canada Borjan, Laryea, Johnston, Steven Vitoria, K Miller, Adekugbe; Buchanan, Hutchinson, Eustaquio; David, Larin Predicted Lineup: Borjan; Laryea, Johnston, Steven Vitoria, K Miller, Adekugbe;
Gamechangers
Kevin de Bruyne will be the most important player for Belgium in terms of their prospects to win the World Cup, and he will be the guy to look out for in this regard. The secret to Manchester City’s success in capturing a plethora of trophies has been the team’s midfielder, who is now enjoying the best form of his life. Prior to the break in the domestic season, de Bruyne had the highest Expected Threat (xT) score of any player. The Belgian will create a lot of chances for his team’s offense, but it will be on to Belgium’s attack to take advantage of those chances and score goals.
Now that Davies is back in the lineup for Canada, the offensive burden will fall squarely on the shoulders of Cyle Larin and Jonathan David. During the qualifying period, both of them combined for 22 goals scored for Canada, making them the top two scorers overall. Although Canada has a strong defensive unit, it will be up to their offense to produce exciting plays, just as they have done so often in previous years.
Belgium versus Canada predictions
Belgium is well aware that this is their last opportunity to win anything with the current crop of players that they have. And the guys under Martinez’s leadership have been given a challenging bunch to begin with. Because Canada is not an easy opponent and because it has nothing to lose, dealing with them might be risky. Despite this, Belgium’s skill is far higher, which will allow them to go beyond Canada’s Maple Leafs.
ISYSCOM forecasts a victory for Belgium by a score of 3-1.
