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Russia Plays Host to Belgium in Group B Action

Denmark and Finland Complete the Group

Belgium was one of the favorite teams to win the 2018 World Cup, but lost in the semifinals. Now, they’re among the favorites to win the European Championship, and their journey will begin against one of the co-hosts, Russia.

Let’s take a look at the latest team and player news, stats, injury reports and the UEFA Euro 2020 Odds for Belgium vs Russia while making some predictions.

Real Madrid's Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois warms up before the Spanish League football match, Real Madrid vs Osasuna
JAVIER SORIANO / AFP
  • Game: Belgium vs Russia
  • Location: Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia
  • Time: Saturday, June 12, 3 p.m. ET
  • Television: beIN Sports
  • Live Stream: FuboTV

European Championship Betting Lines

Team Handicap Moneyline Over/Under Team Total
Belgium -1 +115 -160 2½ Evo
Russia +1 -135 +475 2½ -120u
Draw +300

Head to Head

  • Competitive Matches: 7
  • Belgium Victories: 5 (16 goals)
  • Russia Victories: 0 (7 goals)
  • Draws: 2

Curiously enough, Belgium and Russia collided twice during the Euro 2020 qualifiers, and Belgium won both games. They won the first leg, at home, 3-1, and then went to Russia for the second leg and won 1-4, Eden Hazard scored two goals in each game.

The best result Russia has achieved against Belgium is 3-3 in an international friendly match in 2017. In seven games between the two, Belgium finished with a clean sheet three times and failed to score only once.

Why bet on Belgium?

Manager Roberto Martinez took over in 2016. He has led Belgium to a 42-9-4 record, which means they’ve won 81.1% of their games since he’s the manager, but in order to be remembered, they’ve to win an important title.

Martinez will not be alone during the European Championship; former France international and Euros winner Thierry Henry rejoined the coaching staff for the tournament.

“His tournament experience and international football know-how is a great added value to our staff. Thierry knows almost every player and staff member and it feels only natural that we can carry on the story started in the qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup and its bronze-medal conclusion,” said Martinez to the press.

With superstars like Thibaut Courtois, Thomas Vermaelen, Yannick Carrasco, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Romelu Lukaku on board, they’ve a great chance of winning the Euros, and beating Russia in their first game would send a strong message to the other sports betting favorites to win it all.

Belgium finished the qualifiers unbeaten (10-0-0), scored 40 goals, and allowed three. They’re on the same path towards the 2022 World Cup, as they lead Group E of the qualifiers with a 2-1-0 record, 12 goals for and two against.

Their expected lineup is Thibaut Courtois, Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen, Jason Denayer, Thomas Meunier, Youri Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Yannick Carrasco and Romelu Lukaku.

Why Bet on Russia?

In 2018, no one thought Russia would go far in the World Cup despite being the host, but they advanced all the way into the Round of 8 and lost to Croatia in penalties, so don’t underestimate the heart of a team playing in front of their fans.

Russia finished the Euros qualifiers with an 8-0-2 record, losing only to Belgium, they scored 33 goals and allowed eight, seven from Belgium. In the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Russia is second in Group H thanks to a 2-0-1 record.

Aleksei Miranchuk and Aleksandr Golovin are the top players here. Miranchuk plays for Atalanta, who finished third in the Italian Serie A, while Golovin plays for AS Monaco, who finished third in the French Ligue 1, both will play the UEFA Champions League next season.

Russia is the favorite to finish as runners-up in Group B but losing to Belgium like they did during the qualifiers would decrease their chances significantly, so you can expect them to have a defensive mindset and counterattack when possible.

Their expected lineup is Anton Shunin, Andrei Semenov, Fedor Kudryashov, Georgi Dzhikiya, Daler Kuzyaev, Magomed Ozdoev, Yuri Zhirkov, Andrei Mostovoy, Aleksandr Golovin, Artem Dzyuba and Aleksei Miranchuk.

Final Analysis and Predictions

The last three games between the two went over 2½ goals, and both scored, so I expect nothing less than a back-and-forth game. Belgium will definitely win possession, but Russia’s physical strength could give them some trouble.

Be sure to check the Soccer Props to increase your winning chances by predicting the correct score, half time/full time winner, and more! You can also check our Italy vs Turkey preview; it will be the first match of the tournament.

Score Prediction: Belgium 3 – Russia 1

Pick: Belgium at -160

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