Saturday 23rd June 1300hrs Belgium v Tunisia Football – International – World Cup The first round of games in Group G went the way as expected, at least in result terms. Belgium were favourites to win the section and a 3-0 success over Panama on Monday has gotten them off to the perfect start although they were made to wait for it against stubborn, although limited, opposition. Tunisia will consider themselves very unfortunate to have lost to England in the circumstances they did but ultimately their awful defending at set pieces cost them in the closing stages. A win for Belgium would see them progress and Tunisia on the brink of elimination – read on further for the best betting tips.
There has been much excitement and increasing expectation surrounding this Belgium team for over four years. That’s to be expected when you see how many of their team are playing at the highest level for some of the best clubs in Europe. The issue has been living up to that expectation and this is now the third tournament where they will be pressured to go very deep. It was laboured at times against Panama but their class told in the end with Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku making the difference. Roberto Martinez will be hoping the second half performance has got them into their rhythm and that they are able to get qualification out the way with another win, this time against Tunisia.
Tunisia are the highest ranked African team at the World Cup and they would have been feeling pretty good about themselves with a couple of minutes to go and the score is at 1-1 in their first game. Unfortunately, another lapse in defence, from a set piece, cost them. It was a noticeable weakness from the outset and England got a lot of joy from corners and balls in to the box. For better finishing it could have been a lot more resounding but Tunisia did show great tenacity and it was really fine margins in the end. It now leaves the Tunisians up against it as they try to reach the knockout phase for the first ever time. They now, realistically, have to win their next two matches and considering they have just one win at the World Cup in total, that looks an almighty task.
Belgium v Tunisia Betting Tips
Belgium have not lost a competitive game since Euro 2016 and their disappointing defeat to Wales in the quarter finals of that competition. It means Martinez is yet to lose a game in charge of the Red Devils, of any value at least. He certainly will be hoping that it’s a trend which continues for at least six more games. Tunisia have it all to do and we saw on Monday that when they break out of their defensive formation they can be cut open at will. Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne will relish any space that presents itself and with a win ensuring qualification, it could be a long afternoon for their opponents.
Lukaku is already Belgium’s record goal scorer and he will have chances to add to that tally on Saturday. Over 2.5 goals is the way to go in this one.
Betting Tip Over 2.5 goals 17/20 @ Paddy Power
