Belgium will be looking to cement their Last 16 spot with a win against Fabio Capello’s Russia who played out an unimpressive draw against Korea Republic in their first game. Belgium coach Mark Wilmots will most likely change the structure of his team after it struggled against the Algerians. A cause of concern for the Belgians is that of Captain Vincent Kompany who has suffered a minor groin strain. It is still unknown whether or not he will start at the back for his team. Another defender Daniel Van Buyten is likely to warm the bench as Wilmots will put Arsenal captain Thomas Vermalaen in the starting line-up.
Players to look out for:
Romelu Lukaku, the 21-year old youngster failed to perform to expectations against Algeria but will hope to change his fortunes and does better this time around. Marouane Fellaini, the underperforming Manchester United midfielder had a good game as he put his team level with Algerians will be expected to do the same against the Russians. Aleksandr Kerzhakov, Russia’s joint top scorer with 26 goals will shoulder hopes of his country as he scored to keep his team from losing against Korea Republic.
Teams head-to-head:
The two teams have played each other 3 times with Belgium winning 2 games and one game ending in a draw.
Probable line-ups:
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alderweireld, Kompany, Vermalaen, Vertonghen; Witsel, Fellaini; Mertens, Bruyne, Hazard; Lukaku.
Russia (4-2-3-1): Akinfeev; Eschenko, Berezoutski, Ignashevitch, Kombarov; Denisov, Glushakov; Samedov, Dzagoev, Kokorin; Kerzhakov.
Prediction: Belgium has shown that it is a better side after coming back from a goal behind to win against Algeria while Russia drew with Korea. Belgium is the favorite team to win the match.
Final Score Predictions: Belgium 2 – 1 Russia.
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