Belgium vs. Senegal Match Preview | OneFootball

The Round of 32 is chockerblock full of tantalizing fixtures offering a wealth of competition and enjoyment.

And then there’s Belgium vs. Senegal.

Before reader outrage gets too out of control, I’ll say that both teams have yet to really make a serious impression on this writer. In this newly expanded World Cup format, qualification for the next round was made far simpler, and both of these sides exemplified that, albeit in different ways.

Belgium’s Path to the Knockouts

Few countries received a group as soft as Belgium. After all, prior to the tournament’s start, they sat 9th in the FIFA Rankings. Iran (20) was their closest opponent, but nearly two-thirds of their team hadn’t played competitively since February due to the ongoing war with Israel and the United States. Egypt (29) would bear watching because of the legendary Mo Salah, and New Zealand (85) were the lowest ranked team in the entire tournament. None of the above should have presented a real challenge for the Red Devils, though that only rang true for one of them.

Egypt proved a stubborn foe in their opener, keeping Belgium off their game. Only 13% of their shots (2 of 15) were on target, and if not for an fortunate own goal by Mohamed Hany, Rudi Garcia’s side could very well have been on the losing end. Things didn’t get any better against Iran, though Belgium at least generated better offensive numbers. The Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves to keep a clean sheet, but Belgium looked far more dangerous despite Nathan Ngoy’s 66th minute red card for DOGSO. Finally, against a feisty but inferior New Zealand, Belgium found their attacking boots and put five in on the All-Whites.

Senegal’s Path to the Knockouts

As the AFCON finalists (winner or loser might still be under arbitration), Senegal was expected to be competitive in a VERY tough Group I that also included France, Norway and Iraq. And, well, that didn’t really happen.

For the first half against France, Senegal was arguably the better team. Unfortunately, they couldn’t put away their chances.

France. v. Senegal 1st half. Source: FotMob

Of course, a game has two halves, and the second was all France, who turned the tables on the Africans and won 3-1. Their 3-2 loss to Norway wasn’t nearly as close as the scoreline indicated, padded by a garbage time goal from Ismaël Sarr.

But, much like Belgium, their final fixture was against the weakest opponent, and they knew a strong win could still give them a chance. A 13th minute red card for Iraq made Senegal’s job much easier, and they piled on the goals to win by a 5-0 margin. Those “garbage” goals now began essential, giving Senegal a +2 differential and securing them the last qualification spot (they were the only 3 point team to advance).

How it Should Play

So you basically have two teams who’ve had a single good game apiece. For both, it was their most recent tie. Belgium’s top spot is thanks to their quirky group; Senegal’s is a testament to how challenging theirs was. Defensively, neither is particularly strong. Offensively, both are replete with seasoned talent capable of scintillating play. 

This match has all the hallmarks of an utter goal fest. Unlike some other knockout games, where teams have played conservatively, both should be on the front foot. The situation shouldn’t change regardless of who scores first, as both managers will feel anything less than a three goal cushion could be negated in minutes.

Belgium Starting XI

Given how effective they were against New Zealand, Rudi Garcia will be pressured to start the same XI. For the most part he will, but I think he’ll tweak his lineup just a little.. As one of the most underwhelming players of the group stage, Jérémy Doku will start on the bench.

Nathan Ngoy, no longer suspended, MIGHT start at center back, but I feel Garcia will be wary after his immaturity nearly cost them against Iran. Supersub Romelu Lukaku will remain just that… an impact waiting in the wings.

T. Courtois;T. Castagne, B. Mechele, A. Theate, M. De Cuyper;Y. Tielemans, H. Vanaken;A. Saelemaekers, K. De Bruyne, L. Trossard;C. De Ketelaere

Senegal Starting XI

Manager Pape Thiaw has a bit of a quandary. Three of the five goals scored against Iraq came from off the bench. His most famous player, Sadio Mané, has yet to make a major impact in any match. The status of keeper Édouard Mendy is still unknown. Does his shift things around? Or keep to his tried and true? One guaranteed starter is Ismaïla Sarr, whose three goals lead the team.

M. Diaw;K. Diatta, M. Niakhaté, K. Koulibaly, I. Jakobs;H. Diarra, P. Gueye, I. Gueye;I. Ndiaye, I. Sarr, S. Mané