FOOTBALL

World Cup Predictions: Belgium vs Canada

Published

2 years ago

November 23, 2022

admin

Kickoff: November 24, 12:30 AM IST

Venue: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

Canada are set to end their 36-year wait to play in their second World Cup with a Wednesday night encounter with Belgium.

From Belgium’s perspective, this could be the final chance for their golden generation to lead the nation to their first-ever World Cup title. So, they will be eager to start the campaign with a convincing win against the Canadians.

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has been feeling the heat following Belgium’s poor performances in Euro 2020 and the UEFA Nations League.

The Red Devils bowed out of the Euro 2020 quarterfinals before failing to make it to the Nations League finals.

Belgium made it to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup, but it was not enough to meet the expectations of their fans, who believe this squad is capable of doing better.

Recent form

Belgium have a squad rich with world-class talents, but their recent form does not reflect the quality of their squad. They enter the fray with two back-to-back defeats, the latest of which came against Egypt.

So, Roberto Martinez’s men will be desperate to arrest the slump and return to winning ways when they play Canada in their first match of the Qatar World Cup.

Canadians, on the other hand, are on top of the world at the moment. Qualifying for the World Cup finals was a great achievement for John Herdman’s men, considering they have been trying to return to the competition for four decades.

Canada are one of the co-hosts in the 2026 World Cup, so their involvement in the next edition of the tournament is a certainty.

They face an uphill battle of surviving a group that has two European heavyweights in Croatia and Belgium and a formidable African opposition in Morocco. But they have a youthful squad that can upset the applecart in group F.

Canada finished the CONCACAF qualification stage as the table toppers.

But what will concern the Maple Leaves are their poor form on the road. Canada relied on their solid home form in the qualifiers to confirm their spot in the World Cup finals. However, they had managed to win only two of their seven away matches.

Canada played four warm-up matches before the group stages went underway.

They lost to Uruguay, drew with Bahrain and beat Japan and Qatar. So, they will not be short on confidence ahead of the Belgium game.

Team News

Romelu Lukaku is Roberto Martinez’s go-to striker, but the Canada match will come too soon for the injured number nine.

Therefore, Martinez will turn to Michy Batshuayi, who has been enjoying a prolific run of form for Fenerbahçe. Loïs Openda is also an option for Martinez, but Batshuayi is expected to get the nod.

Thorgan Hazard has lived under the shadow of his elder brother Eden Hazard throughout his career, but the Borussia Dortmund man was one of the Belgium’s best performers in the Euros. But he will have to sit out Belgium’s opener due to injury.

Timothy Castagne and Yannick Carrasco will compete for his spot at left-back.

Eden Hazard will start in the front three for Belgium. The forward has been injury free this season but Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti did not give him much game time.

Hazard will hope to redeem himself with a great World Cup campaign with Belgium. 19 year-old Zeno Debast is expected to feature in the Belgian rearguard.

Atiba Hutchinson will make his 99^th appearance for Canada as he will lead the Maple Leafs out of the tunnel.

Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies overcame the injury scare to travel with the Canadian squad to Canada. However, he is not likely be involved in the Belgium game.

Our Prediction

Canada have excellent quality both in attack and defence. But their inexperience at the global stage combined with their poor form outside Canada will play to Belgium’s advantage.

We say, Belgium 2-1 Canada.

FC Goa

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.