Belgium v Canada Tips November 23

Roberto Martinez’s Belgium will attempt to make their first World Cup Final in Qatar and they begin their campaign against tournament outsiders Canada - SBK tipster Tom Collins previews the match-up.

Now or never

Many pundits and football fans expected Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ to make a huge impact on the international stage around eight years ago. Although improvement was notable from their previous squad, all they have to show for it is a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup and fourth place in the 2021 Nations League. Not exactly a full trophy cabinet.

Although silverware is always the ultimate aim, Belgium’s national team officially topped FIFA’s world rankings between September 2018 and February 2022. But their recent drop to second (behind Brazil) is a sign that their stars are beginning to age - Jan Vertonghen and Dries Mertens have turned 35, Toby Alderweireld is 33, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard are now 31 and Thibaut Courtois is 30. With a lack of bona fide sensations coming through the ranks, it’s a case of now or never.

Belgium qualified for the 2022 World Cup by winning six and drawing two of their eight matches. They won home games against Wales, Czech Republic, Estonia and Belarus with an aggregate score of 17-2, but found life slightly tougher away from home as proven by picking up just eight points from a possible 12.

Return to the big stage

Canada will be playing in just their second FIFA World Cup in Qatar, after previously failing to get out of the group back in 1986. It has been a long drought between major competitions for the Maple Leafs, whose squad has dramatically improved thanks to the emergence of Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies and Lille’s Jonathan David.

The increase in popularity of football in North America has played a major role in Canada’s progression, but they still have some way to go to challenge the major European and South American nations. Canada has won seven of their 12 international games this year, and defeats against Costa Rica, Honduras and Uruguay highlight their deficiencies.

Led by English manager John Herdman, who moved to the men’s team in 2018 following a seven-year stint coaching the women’s national side, Canada will look to shock the world on Wednesday, though games against Morocco and Croatia might provide better opportunities to earn points.

So, What Is The Verdict?

With Romelu Lukaku set to miss the first two games of the 2022 World Cup, Belgium will rely on the forward presence of Michy Batshuayi, the former Chelsea and Crystal Palace striker who is now plying his trade in Turkey. He has scored 26 goals from 48 games for his nation and will see this as a good opportunity to add to his tally.

Expect plenty of creativity from the midfielders Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans and Yannick Carrasco, while Eden Hazard is sure to cause some issues to his opposing number. As a result, Belgium goals seem likely.

This is a big step up for Canada and, although they boast some big names in attacking positions, it is hard to see them getting anything out of this game. A Belgian victory to nil, and 3-0 final scoreline would be my plays.