Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Belgium can virtually book their place in the last 16 with a win against Tunisia in Group G in the first of three World Cup games on Saturday. The Red Devils enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 success over Panama in their opener but they strugggled at times. Ultimately, they got the result though without too much difficulty and will hope to secure a similar result in Moscow.
Meanwhile, Tunisia lost to a very late Harry Kane goal against England but in reality they were second best throughout, particularly in the first half and should’ve lost by many more. They can take positives by how they improved after the break but they will need to show a lot more to snatch a result against the European side and keep their World Cup hopes alive in the process.
Here we will give you Belgium vs Tunisia betting tips, look at where the game will be won, the key players and a Belgium vs Tunisia prediction for the Group G encounter.
Our Belgium vs Tunisia Prediction: Belgium 2-0 Tunisia
Our Belgium vs Tunisia prediction tips is for Roberto Martinez’ men to emerge with a comfortable win that will guarantee them progress to the last 16 when England beat Panama the following day.
Belgium will have been licking their lips when they saw how Tunisia defended against England. They played with a high line and gave the attacking midfielders too much space. That would be suicidal against a Belgium side that have the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Dries Mertens and Eden Hazard finding pockets of space. Whilst the North African side are sure to sit deeper and close spaces, Belgium will still feel they can exploit a weakness in the opposition defence.
As mentioned, Tunisia simply can’t go with the same game plan but with no natural forward and a lack of pace on the counter, they are in danger of getting pinned back all game against a Belgium side that can keep the ball with ease. They will have to show some ambition but the European sides adventurous 3-4-3 formation could mean they get overrun.
Our recommended tip – Belgium -1
Ultimately, Belgium have too much quality and are very good on the break, as they showed with Romelu Lukaku’s second goal against Panama.
With Tunisia needing to get something from the game, should Belgium get the first goal the dynamics of the game will change and it will suit the European side. They can control play, make the Tunisian’s chase and eventually they can pick them off. After watching Tunisia against England you can’t see how they stop Belgium scoring and a convincing win for Martinez’ men seems likely.
Previous matches
The clash in Moscow will be the fourth meeting between the two sides and the second at the World Cup. They played in the 2002 tournament, with the match ending 1-1. Other than that, each nation has one win apiece.
As for their recent games, as mentioned, Belgium strolled to a easy enough win against Panama, although the minnows did have their moments. However, the result and margin of victory was fair and it was to be expected given the gulf in class between the nations. Key players like De Bruyne and Hazard only showed flashes of their brilliance but Lukaku’s two goals will be a positive for Belgium.
Meanwhile, it was late heartbreak for Tunisia against England but they could have no complaints after a poor display. They changed formation after a torrid first half which helped and that’s surely how they will line up against Belgium. Yet, there were few positives with Tunisia recording just one shot on target against the English from a very disputable penalty.
Top 3 World Cup Bookies
Players to watch – Romelu Lukaku & Farouk Ben Mustapha
Powerful Manchester United striker Lukaku got off to a fine start with two goals against Panama, the second a smart finish. That will give him confidence heading into the clash with Tunisia and he will hope to continue that form. With the Africans sure to sit deep, his physicality and aerial prowess could be key if Belgium need to go more direct at times.
The man tasked with stopping the Red Devils is Farouk Ben Mustapha, who many thought would be the third choice keeper for Tunisia this tournament. However, when first choice stopper Mouez Hassen went off, Ben Mustapha came on. He did okay against England and is set to be worked again against Lukaku and co. For Tunisia to have any chance, they will need a massive performance from the 28-year old.
