Spain
Belgium
Team Overview
In their latest World Cup match, Spain faced Portugal and secured a narrow 1-0 victory, showcasing their defensive solidity. This win continues their impressive run, marking their fourth consecutive victory in the tournament.
Match statistics (Portugal vs Spain):
Team Overview
Belgium triumphed over the USA in their last World Cup outing, winning 4-1. This victory adds to their growing confidence as they head into a challenging match against Spain.
Match statistics (USA vs Belgium):
In a thrilling quarter-final clash, Spain triumphed over Belgium with a score of 2-1, showcasing their tactical prowess and attacking flair. The victory propelled Spain into the semi-finals of the World Cup, leaving Belgium to reflect on missed opportunities.
Spain dominated possession throughout the match, holding 68% compared to Belgium's 32%. This control translated into a significant advantage in shots, with Spain registering 16 attempts, seven of which were on target, while Belgium managed only five shots, two on goal. The first half saw Spain take the lead through F. Ruiz in the 30th minute, but Belgium responded quickly, equalizing with a goal from C. De Ketelaere just before halftime.
The second half was marked by Spain's relentless pressure, culminating in a late winner from M. Merino in the 88th minute. Despite Belgium's efforts, including a few substitutions aimed at shifting momentum, they struggled to create clear chances. The match concluded with both teams receiving a total of three yellow cards, reflecting the intensity of the encounter.
Spain's ability to maintain possession and create more scoring opportunities proved decisive. With 5 corners to Belgium's 1, Spain's tactical execution and resilience under pressure ultimately secured their place in the next round, while Belgium will rue their inability to capitalize on their chances.
Spain has shown strong form in their last ten matches, winning all but one, with a notable victory against Portugal in the Round of 16. They have scored a total of 9 goals in their last four matches, averaging 2.25 goals per game, while conceding none. In contrast, Belgium has also performed well, winning three out of their last four matches, including a convincing 4-1 win against the USA in the Round of 16. They have scored 12 goals in their last four matches, averaging 3.0 goals per game, but have conceded 4.
In their recent head-to-head encounter, Spain defeated Belgium 2-1, showcasing their ability to control the game with a possession rate of 68%. Spain's expected goals (xG) in that match were 2.04, compared to Belgium's 0.38, indicating a significant difference in attacking efficiency. Additionally, Spain had 5 corner kicks and 2 yellow cards, while Belgium managed only 1 corner and received 1 yellow card. This statistical disparity suggests that Spain not only dominated possession but also created more scoring opportunities.
Spain's tactical approach is likely to focus on maintaining possession and pressing high, utilizing their midfield strength to control the pace of the game. Belgium may adopt a counter-attacking strategy, relying on quick transitions to exploit any gaps left by the Spanish defense.
U. Simon
G
P. Porro
D
P. Cubarsi
D
A. Laporte
D
M. Cucurella
D
Rodri
M
Pedri
M
Lamine Yamal
M
D. Olmo
M
A. Baena
M
M. Oyarzabal
F
T. Courtois
G
T. Castagne
D
N. Ngoy
D
B. Mechele
D
M. De Cuyper
D
A. Onana
M
Y. Tielemans
M
L. Trossard
F
N. Raskin
M
D. Lukebakio
F
C. De Ketelaere
F
