Five days into the World Cup and we’re already seeing shocks, drama and goals everywhere. Now it’s Belgium’s turn.
This feels like the biggest match in Group G and, as a Belgian fan, I think it’s the perfect opportunity for the Red Devils to make a statement. Egypt deserve respect, but Belgium have more quality across the pitch and should spend most of this game on the front foot.
That’s why I’ve put together this 29.00 Bet Builder.
My Belgium vs Egypt Bet Builder (29.00)
- Jeremy Doku to score or assist
- Belgium over 14.5 shots
- Mohamed Hany to be carded
- Kevin De Bruyne 1+ shot on target
- Youri Tielemans 1+ shot
- Over 8.5 corners
Belgium Over 14.5 Shots
Belgium have been a shot machine recently. They registered 21 shots against the USA and 27 shots against Tunisia in their final two World Cup warm-up matches, scoring 10 goals across those games.
Even looking further back, Belgium averaged over 16 shots per game during qualification, and they are not a team that sits on a lead once they get ahead.
Egypt are likely to defend deep and play for moments on the counter. That might make life difficult for Belgium in terms of breaking them down, but it should also mean wave after wave of Belgian attacks.
Spain managed 25 shots against Egypt in a recent 0-0 draw, while Brazil recorded 12 shots despite not being nearly as aggressive a shooting side as Belgium. If the Red Devils dominate possession as expected, 16 shots feels very achievable.
Mohamed Hany to Be Carded
Hany is expected to start at left-back, which means he will spend much of the evening dealing with Jeremy Doku or Leandro Trossard.
Doku is Belgium’s most-fouled player and one of the most fouled attackers in the Premier League, drawing 3.09 fouls per 90 minutes. Trossard also ranks among Arsenal’s most fouled players this season.
In Egypt’s recent friendly against Brazil, he committed two fouls, and during AFCON he averaged over a foul per game while frequently being tasked with defending quick wingers.
Against Doku’s pace and direct running, one mistimed challenge could easily result in a booking.
Kevin De Bruyne 1+ Shot on Target
When Belgium need somebody to take responsibility, it is still Kevin De Bruyne.
Everything goes through him in the final third and he remains Belgium’s most dangerous player from outside the box. Whether it is a direct effort from range, a free-kick, or arriving onto a loose ball around the edge of the area, he consistently finds shooting opportunities.
With Belgium expected to dominate possession and territory, I would be surprised if he does not test the goalkeeper at least once.
Youri Tielemans 1+ Shot
Tielemans only needs one effort and the numbers suggest he usually finds it.
He recorded 24 shots in 21 Premier League starts this season, averaging more than a shot per game from midfield.
His Belgium numbers are even more encouraging. During World Cup qualifying he produced 13 shots across four appearances, showing just how willing he is to pull the trigger when given space.
If Egypt defend deep, there should be plenty of opportunities for Tielemans to collect second balls around the edge of the area and have a go.
Jeremy Doku to Score or Assist
Doku produced five goal contributions in his final seven Premier League matches and then added two assists against Tunisia in Belgium’s final World Cup warm-up game.
He was directly involved in seven of Belgium’s 29 qualifying goals, scoring five and assisting two.
With Lukaku still lacking full match sharpness, Belgium need somebody else to carry the attacking threat. Doku looks the most likely candidate and arrives in exactly the sort of form you want heading into a major tournament.
Over 8.5 Corners
Belgium averaged 10.38 corners per game during World Cup qualifying and reached double figures in six of their eight matches. They also won 14 corners against Tunisia in their final warm-up fixture.
Egypt, meanwhile, conceded 5.14 corners per game at AFCON, despite often being one of the stronger teams in their matches. Both Senegal and Ivory Coast cleared this line against them in the knockout rounds.
If Belgium dominate possession and force Egypt back towards their own box, the corner count should build naturally throughout the evening.
Bet On Elena’s Bet Builder
Fancy backing my selections?
You can build this 29.00 Bet Builder on Bet9ja and follow Belgium’s opening World Cup match with Bet Builder markets, player, corners, cards and live betting available throughout the game.
