Lovin Predicts 2022 World Cup: Belgium’s Golden Generation Seeks To Avoid Upset Against Plucky Canada

Canada vs Belgium: Overview

Hark back to the Brazil 2014 World Cup and Belgium was one of the main talking points pre-tournament. A golden generation of talents emerged at the top level of European football, and Les Diables rouges were expected to land one of the major international trophies, whether at Brazil 2014 itself or upcoming international tournaments.

This has not come to fruition, albeit coming close at the last World Cup in Russia with a semi-final appearance. Qatar 2022 represents the last chance for the golden generation to live up to that moniker and bring the trophy home to Brussels.

Their first opponent, The Maple Leafs, are making their first appearance at the World Cup since 1986 and their 2nd overall appearance. For the Canadians, they feel their golden generation is just getting started.

This Canada team might be inexperienced at the World Cup stage but they already possess two world-class players in their line-up and qualified by topping the CONCACAF Octagonal Group (containing continental powerhouses U.S.A and Mexico).

This will not be a team happy to make up the numbers and are determined to give their fans a good show before their home World Cup in four years’ time.

Will the Belgian’s golden veterans kick-start their campaign on the right note, or will the intriguing North American opponents stun the world and bag home the three points at their first game back on the big stage?

Tactics and Formations:

Unless Roberto Martinez changed tack for this game, expect the Red Devils to line up in a 3-4-3 formation, with plenty of options available both on the wing back and attacking midfielder positions.

The idea would be to control the ball and play with purpose going forward, overloading their opponents akin to what France did yesterday.

They will be without key striker Romelu Lukaku, who is out with a niggling thigh injury, all eyes will be on Michy Batshuayi who is expected to replace him up top.

John Herdman should line up his Maple Leafs in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, with the intention of soaking up pressure and hitting the Belgians on the counter.

The Canadians possess players with plenty of paces and athletic ability on the flanks and this will be key to their plan going forwards with the ball. How quickly they are able to find the spaces between the lines in transition and executing the counterattack will be key to hurting their opponents.

Key Battles on the Pitch:

1) Toby Alderweireld (33yo Antwerp (BEL) Centre- Back) VS Jonathan David (22yo Lille (FRA) Striker)

With a consistent presence of reliability and calm for Belgium at the back, Toby Alderweireld will have to be at his absolute best in order to help Belgium get off to a comfortable start.

Approaching his last international tournament, he will want to go out on a high prior to hanging up his boots internationally. He will have his work cut-out today as he goes up against Jonathan David, arguably 1 of 2 world-class footballers Canada has.

A powerful, pacy, deadly finisher, David will look to be a constant thorn in the Belgian backline, timing his runs to perfection. Expect the Canadians to constantly find ways to feed him so he can terrorise the backline throughout the match. I am curious to see how these two fare up against each other.

2) Axel Witsel (33yo Atletico Madrid (ESP) Central-Midfielder) VS Atiba Hutchinson (39yo Besiktas (TUR) Central-Midfielder)

Another member of Belgium’s golden generation, tough tackling dynamo Axel Witsel, just like his compatriot Alderweireld will hope to see off his international career with a gold medal. His tenacious work rate and aerial ability make him a tough presence to deal with in the middle of the park and is relied on to be Les Rogues enforcer in that area of the pitch.

That being said, his counterpart will not be lacking motivation. 2 months shy of his 40th birthday, captain Hutchinson will be finally living his dream of representing his country at the biggest stage of all.

He will be determined to make the most of this opportunity, and the experienced, physical yet
intelligent midfielder will put Witsel’s ability and mettle to the fore.

3) Kevin De Bruyne (31yo Manchester City (ITA) Central Midfielder) VS Samuel Piette (28yo CF Montreal (CAN) Central Midfielder)

Kevin De Bruyne is one of the world’s most complete midfielders. Lazer-like passing and shooting ability, brilliant vision and technique and physically strong, De Bruyne is a player every nation would love to have.

Canada will need to make sure they try and nullify his threat throughout the match and I suspect that responsibility will lie with Samuel Piette, a touch-tackling Quebec native who will be eager to snap around Belgium’s midfield alongside the calmer, experience Hutchinson.

Plenty of action is expected in the middle of the park!

Prediction:

As we saw yesterday, upsets can happen in this tournament and I do not think Canada will be an easy opponent to deal with. However it is their debut on the big stage, and Belgium might be a tad too strong for them to see off. 3-1 to Les Rogue Diables!

Darren Abela is a sports correspondent with a keen interest in football analysis, Inter Milan, and anything Ferrari.

What’s your prediction for the Canada-Belgium game?