Belgium vs. England Prediction
Belgium and England fell one win short of playing for the World Cup trophy and will instead battle it out for third place in the tournament’s consolation match. Will Belgium notch its second victory over England in the last several weeks as the favorite in this contest?
Game Snapshot
97890 England at 97891 Belgium
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Saint Petersburg Stadium at 10AM ET
TV: FOX
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, Belgium is a +125 favorite to win on the moneyline. England is a +200 underdog, while a draw bet is set at +275. The total sits at 3 goals.
Belgium edged in showdown with France
The dream of playing for a World Cup title was dashed for Belgium on Tuesday as it fell 1-0 in a nailbiter versus France. A goal by Samuel Umtiti for France in the 51st minute proved to be the difference. Belgium actually held 60 percent of the possession, but did less with it than France as it was held to nine shots (three on goal). The French managed 19 shots with five being on target. Belgium was whistled for 16 fouls including three yellow cards as its frustration showed at times. The Belgians also manufactured five corner kicks compared to four for France. Midfielder Eden Hazard was arguably the best player on the pitch for Belgium, while striker Romelu Lukaku proved to be a non-factor.
England stunned by Croatians
Despite being the large favorite to advance to the World Cup final, England lost 2-1 in extra time against Croatia on Wednesday. The English grabbed a quick 1-0 advantage in the fifth minute on a rocket of a free kick strike by Kieran Trippier. But that was all England would manage the rest of the night. Croatia tied it at 1-1 in the 68th minute via a score by Ivan Perisic. The contest moved to extra time and in the 109th minute, Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic finally broke the deadlock as his goal sent England to the third place match. England held 46 percent of the possession, tallying 11 shots with only one on net. Croatia had 22 shots with seven being on goal. England was whistled for 14 fouls with one drawing a yellow card. Croatia recorded eight corner kicks, while England took four corners.
Prediction:
Belgium downed England 1-0 in group play, but it’s difficult to say how much either side cared about winning since there was an argument that the loser would have the better draw going forward. England benefitted from losing until the semifinals, while Belgium showed itself as one of the top soccer nations in the world by going toe to toe with some elite opponents. I do think Belgium is the better side, but I think England will actually be more up for this contest. Belgium seems to have a shorter window for World Cup success and could be the more deflated side, while England I believe has more motivation to go out on a proud note. Look for Harry Kane to end his World Cup on a high note and get in the scoring column here to lead his side to a win.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: ENGLAND +200