Tuesday 17/06/2014, 18:00, World Cup Group H, Belgium vs Algeria
Belgium vs Algeria Betting Preview
Belgium was never favorite at the World Cup but the underdog status didn't bother them, so it is very interesting to see how they perform when they are credited with the first chance. The Europeans have an immensely talented group and they're expected to win Group H fairly easy, while the opening game is supposed to be a training for the elimination round. Algeria can be a stingy opponent and those who remember their World Cup game against England would say that Belgium has plenty of reasons to be worried.
Belgium vs Algeria Betting Odds
Belgium 1.40, Draw 4.20, Algeria 8.70
Belgium vs Algeria Betting Tips
Algeria is not a force to be reckoned with even in Africa and they can consider themselves lucky to have reached the World Cup. They follow a simple strategy that so far delivered excellent results, more precisely they defend against most opponents and focus on scoring on counterattacks.
They are under no illusion that it is possible to qualify from this group, despite the fact that neither Russia nor South Korea are remarkable teams. Algeria will try to collect two points from the first two games and take more chances in the final round, when there would be nothing left for them to lose.
In the opening game, Belgium will get the chance to test the starting formation featuring three strikers, because there is very little to worry about defensively. Courtois is a lock for goalkeeper, with the Atletico Madrid player being the reason for why this team won the Spanish domestic championship and played in the Champions League final this year.
He needs some games at the World Cup to boost his confidence levels and it is very hard to believe that Algeria, Russia or Republic of Korea will cause him any headaches. There will be many similarities between this game and the one played by Algeria against England four years ago, but Belgium has far more options upfront for the match to end undecided.
Key Facts
- Belgium's recent friendly games were rather disappointing, with the Europeans winning just one in five, against Luxembourg
- It's been 11 years since the two countries met in a friendly game and back then it was Belgium who emerged victorious by three goals to one.
Belgium vs Algeria Betting Odds Prediction
Punters should either back Belgium to cover the -1.5 goals spread at odds of 2.35 or bet on more than 2.5 goals to be scored at odds that are slightly lower. Since it is hard to believe that Algeria will score a goal in this fixture, it is much safer to bet on a blowout victory for the Europeans.
Bet: Belgium -1.5 goals @ 2.35 with Pinnacle Sports
