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None of the two teams was particularly impressive in the first round but Belgium still got a 2-1 win vs. Algeria, Russia only a 1-1 draw vs. South Korea.
All eyes were on Belgium to perform with the amazing talent they have in the squad but they needed a late comeback to get the tree points in the first match. The youth in the team had something to do with the weak performance for sure, Belgium is still not a cohesive side, they have very young player and the coach Wilmots is criticized for not rising to the level of his players. But all in all it was a win for Belgium, making 4 in a row now for the Devils. Belgium has no injuries or suspensions today and can use the best lineup. Mertens will again be on the bench – he’s been the jolly jocker for the Devils, bringing a late win in the last two games.
Belgium lineup: Courtois – Alderweireld, Kompany, Vermaelen, Vertonghen – Witsel, Dembele, Fellaini, De Bruyne, Hazard – Lukaku
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Russia had a poorer performance than Belgium against South Korea. The Asians were out of form and inferior in quality but they almost got the win. The match was dead even and the draw for sure was the normal result. It was confirmed again that Russia is a very hard team to beat (lost only twice in last 21 games), very well organized and disciplined, but has trouble winning games. Today a draw would be a good result for Russia and I’m sure Capello has made a good analysis of the South Korea game and the team will improve. Full squad available for the Russians.
Russia lineup: Akinfeev – Ignashevich, Eshchenko, Berezutskiy, Kombarov – Shatov, Zhirkov, Samedov, Fayzulin – Kokorin – Kerzhakov
Russia is exactly the kind of team that can give trouble to this inexperienced Belgium side. Russia is disciplined, has a great manager, can break down attacks, are very hard to beat. I think talent won’t be enough for Belgium today and they won’t be able to break the defensive wall of Russia. I am counting a lot on Capello to outsmart Wilmots, it will be a very important duel and for sure Capello has the upper hand. A relevant fact is that Russia can’t really afford to lose this, but Belgium could do very well with a draw after the Algeria win – they would still have the first chance to win the group by far. So considering the analysis, my tip will be Russia +0,5 handicap. I don’t agree with the odds movement, people are betting on Belgium but it is a very dangerous bet and Russia has over 50% chances to get a result. Correct score prediction: Belgium – Russia 1-1.
Pick: Russia (+0,5 handicap)
Odds: 2.01 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8.08
Event date: 21 June
