Belgium – Algeria

It`s time for the highly praised team of Belgium to prove themselves on the big stage, but make no mistake, beating a resilient Algeria side will not be a walk in the park for the Europeans – despite the odds pretty much suggesting that.

There`s no doubt that Belgium has one of the best teams in the world quality wise, the only question concerning the Devils being their chemistry and especially their experience, as the squad is very young. Belgium has qualified easily to the World Cup, an impressive feat considering they had a very tough group with Croatia, Serbia, Scotland and Wales. Their form is pretty good right now, three wins in a row, but they struggled big time in the last friendly against Tunisia a 1-0 win in the 89th minute after playing with an extra man for half an hour. It wasn`t a ‘vacation’ friendly either, it was played in Brussels with 40.000 fans in the stadium.

Algeria had a tough time getting past Burkina Faso in the African playoffs, getting trough via away goals, but since then the team has been in great form, winning all 3 friendlies they played. The Africans have now won 4 matches on the spin and will enter the World Cup with great confidence. Algeria used to be a very defensive team, but in the last few years they changed their approach, playing more offensive minded football.

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Team news & lineups

Both managers will be pleased to have all the best players at their disposal. Lukaku is a slight doubt for Belgium, but he should start.

Belgium: Courtois – Alderweireld, Kompany, Vermaelen, Vertonghen – Fellaini, Dembele, Witsel – Hazard, Lukaku, Mirallas

Algeria: M’Bolhi – Mostefa, Bougherra, Cadamuro, Ghoulam – Taider, Medjani, Bentaleb – Soudani, Djabou, Feghouli

Listen, Belgium has an excellent roster and has played good football lately, but the Devils are yet to prove themselves on the big stage, they have a very young squad and I don`t see them starting with a big win against a solid side like Algeria. The visitors are very well organized, in good form and have some high quality players themselves. This could look very similar to Belgium`s 1-0 win over Tunisia. Expect a tense encounter and Belgium will be more than happy with a 1 goal win, I’m sure they wouldn`t be to keen of going for the handicap win even if they could. My tip is Algeria +1,5 handicap. Prediction: Belgium – Algeria 2-1.

Pick: Algeria (+1,5)
Odds: 1.73 @ Sbobet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 5.84
Event date: 17 June