Belgium vs. Canada Picks, Predictions, Odds
Wednesday's World Cup action will conclude with a Group F match between Canada and one of the tournament favorites in Belgium.
Belgium vs Canada Picks and Score Predictions
First up for Canada, it's Group F favorites versus Group F minnows, according to the bookmakers. The Belgian 'golden generation' is four years older since Russia 2018, making their way to Qatar still trophy-less despite boasting a cohort of players that promised so much. The Red Devils' gaze will undoubtedly focus on the latter stages. Along with France and Brazil, Belgium is one of three nations to reach the quarter-finals in the previous two World Cups.
Belgium has needed some of that inspiration lately. Goals have been hard to come by, with a total of four in their last four competitive matches, though Canada’s likely want to lay a glove on Belgium should lend its hand to a more open encounter. On the other hand, Canada can’t seem to stop scoring, failing to keep them out at the other end in equal measure. The bookies expect a high-scoring game, and they may well get their wish. A 2-1 or 3-1 Belgian win seems to be the expectation.
In the most recent warm-up fixture versus Japan, Canada navigated the 90 minutes successfully, ending 2-1 to the good. The 17 shots against a capable Japanese side should fill them with hope whilst giving punters something to think of from a betting point of view. Both Teams to Score at just shy of Evens is one to contemplate against Belgium. In addition, if feeling a little braver, the Europeans to win with Both Teams to Score stands at an inviting +240.
Score Predictions:
Belgium 3 Canada 1 (+1200)
Belgium 2 Canada 1 (+850)
Belgium vs Canada Best Bets
The bookmakers give those heralding from North America no hope on match day one. Roberto Martinez's Belgium enters the fray as a -200 shot, as Canada assumes the mantle of plucky underdogs, with their chances rated at +560. Although Canada has enough about them to cause problems on their day, this initial task may be one step too tall if lady luck isn't on their side. Belgium should, if they're at it, cast the Canadians aside.
Nevertheless, the Canadians aren't here to roll over and have their collective bellies tickled. The Qatari World Cup marks the end of a 36-year drought for a nation in the grips of a surge in soccer interest. Moreover, it was a qualifying campaign which saw the CONCACAF nation plunder the most goals (23) and concede the fewest (7).
To squeeze a little extra value from the pricing, taking Belgium to win and over 1.5 goals at -125 is something to ponder. If Les Rouges can muster enough to muscle in on the scoresheet at the Al Rayyan Stadium, don't be surprised for two or more goals in the game rear their head quite comfortably.
Best Bet: Belgium Over 1.5 goals at -125
Belgium vs Canada Odds
Belgium -182
Canada +500
Draw +320
Over 2.5 (-138)
Under 2.5 (+110)
Draw No Bet: Belgium -500 Canada +333
Corners: Over 9 (+100) Under 9 (+125)
Total Cards: Over 3.5 (-110) Under 3.5 (-110)
Both Teams to Score: Yes (-125) No (-106)
It’s no surprise that Belgium is the big favorite. It’s -182 for them to get three vital points in Group F with the draw at +320. The Canadians are the underdogs for this one. It’s around +560 for them to get what would be their first-ever win at a World Cup. Goals are expected in this match, with money (-138) shaded to the 'over' 2.5 total goals.
World Cup Best Bets - Round 1
Canada Betting Outlook & Players to Watch
But can they compete with one of the competition's best in Belgium? A World Cup mainstay in recent years. That may depend on how much Cyle Larin and Jonathon David can test an ageing backline. Nevertheless, the former's 13 goals in qualifying, coupled with David's red-hot form for Lille, implies that this is an outfit that can prove a thorn in the side of teams if chances arise.
Anytime Scorer Odds
Jonathon David +300
Cyle Larin +333
Belgium Betting Outlook & Players to Watch
Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku present as the go-to on-field components within the camp, though Premier League players Youri Tielemans and an in-form Leandro Trossard will plan to have a sizable impact. The Manchester City playmaker, alongside Eden Hazard, has assisted 45% of Belgium's goals at major international tournaments since stepping foot at the 2014 World Cup.
Anytime Scorer Odds
Kevin De Bruyne +187
Belgium vs. Canada Betting Resources
Date: Monday, Nov. 23, 2022
Matchup: Group F
Stadium: Al Rayyan Stadium
Location: Al Rayyan, Qatar
TV Time: FOX, 2:00 p.m. ET
Written by soccer expert Sam Ingram: check out Sam on Twitter @SamIngram_.
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