Spain clash with Belgium in LA quarterfinal
The Spanish took their time to find a winner against Portugal, but Mikel Merino sent La Roja through with a 91st minute goal. Belgium, on the other hand, thrashed the USA 4-1 in what was their finest performance of the tournament thus far.
Spain might be saving their best for Belgium
Throughout their Euro 2024 run, Spain scored 15 goals, defeating the likes of Croatia, Italy, Germany, France and then England to win their fourth continental title.
This summer, expectations are higher than ever, but Spain haven’t quite been at their best.
Of course, they did defeat Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Austria 3-0, but Luis de la Fuente’s men have scored just twice across their other three matches.
Solid, if unspectacular, is perhaps the best way to describe Spain, but things could change against the Belgians.
World Cup winners tend to peak the further the tournament goes on, see Argentina in 2022 and Spain themselves in 2010.
Having won their first World Cup knockout match since that final in 2010, the Spanish will be looking to reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup for just the third time this century.
Spain have won six successive games against the Belgians and they will be desperate to make it seven in California on Friday evening.
Belgium could cause plenty of problems
Belgium delivered a sparkling display to beat USA 4-1, a victory which was inspired by the perceived injustice of Folarin Balogun’s suspension being lifted by FIFA, seemingly under influence from the US government.
That was all the incentive Belgium needed as the Red Devils sent the co-hosts crashing out.
It was comfortably their best performance of the tournament and this should stand Rudi Garcia’s side in good stead ahead of this tricky clash against Spain.
Not at their best during the group stages, Belgium have since scored seven goals in two knockout stage fixtures. Perform like they did against the USA and Spain could be in for a tough evening.
Team news
De la Fuente has no fresh injury concerns and could start with the same starting XI that faced Portugal.
Garcia, however, will need to replace Amadou Onana in the lineup. The midfielder was subbed off after 21 minutes against the USA due to suffering a cruciate ligament injury.
Hans Vanaken should be the man that comes into the starting XI.
Prediction
A few weeks ago, the outcome of this match would have been a lot easier to predict. The comeback victory over Senegal, combined with thrashing the USA has given Belgium a new lease of life.
The Spaniards will be tested throughout and their defence will be breached for the first time this tournament, however, I expect De la Fuente’s men to win 3-1.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow all the games from the World Cup on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.
Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.
