Belgium vs Iceland
Belgium are almost through to the last four of the UEFA Nations League, and their match with struggling Iceland presents a great opportunity for them to get one step closer to making that a reality.
The Red Devils need just four points in their last two games to make it to the final round of the competition’s top-tier league. With that said, a win against Iceland will leave the Belgians needing just a draw against Switzerland to secure the top spot in Group A2.
Iceland aren’t in their best form right now though, and it might take a miracle and a lot of prayers for them to pull off a momentous upset against the top-ranked nation in the world.
Talking Points
Seriously, who can stop Belgium right now? They are the best team in the world and recently edged out France in the rankings to claim the solo lead at the top.
While they did lose to the French in the semi-finals of the World Cup, they have been undefeated since then. They even went on a four-game winning streak before playing out a 1-1 friendly draw with the Netherlands last month.
Belgium thrashed Iceland in their first game in this tournament—grabbing the UEFA Nations League 2018 highlights with a dominant 0-3 away win at the Reykjavik—and it’s likely that they will be able to replicate that success when they play at home.
Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard scored in that victory, and Coach Roberto Martinez will surely rely on his star strikers to produce for the team once again.
While there are injury concerns on the two players, they are still included in the squad and are expected to be in action—though a limited playing time or a substitute role could be an option given their recent setbacks.
Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen are out for the team due to injuries while Marouane Fellaini has been omitted due to a lack of fitness, but Belgium are deep enough to survive the absences. The so-called “Golden Generation” has the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Vincent Kompany, Dedryck Boyata, Thomas Meunier and Axel Witsel to pick up the slack.
Against the best team, Iceland will hope that everything will go in their favour. The past few months after the World Cup hasn’t been kind to them, losing three times and drawing once in their past four matches.
The small Nordic island nation captured the hearts of many with their displays in the Euro 2016—a performance that soon translated to a first-ever appearance in the world stage.
However, new Iceland manager Erik Hamren failed to continue what Heimir Hallgrimsson started and seemingly set the team on their way to disaster. The nation—nicknamed Our Boys—kicked off the Hamren era with a 0-6 defeat to Switzerland and everything went downward spiral for them after that.
The Icelanders showed some spirit when they held reigning World Cup champions France to a 2-2 friendly draw, but that was the best result they could muster under Hamren. They have already conceded 13 goals so far and scored just three under the new boss.
It remains to be seen how the team will adjust defensively against Belgium in their second meeting this year, though hopes aren’t high that they can put up a fight.
History
If Iceland fans want a further reminder of how one-sided this affair is, they need not look further than their head-to-head record. Out of their 10 meetings overall, Iceland have never won or played out a draw—NEVER.
Belgium won all matches between the two European sides, with their last three finishing with at least a two-goal lead. Besides their September meeting this year, the Belgians also won in a friendly game in 2014 with a 3-1 scoreline.
Belgium have been solid at home as well, last losing at Stade Roi Baudouin in 2016 against Spain. They are currently riding a 14-game unbeaten streak at home.
Betting Tip
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Belgium vs Iceland | Belgium Correct Score 2-0 @ 5.40 |
| November 16, 03:45 (GMT+8) |
It’s easy to see why the UEFA Nations League 2018 betting odds at SBOBET favour Belgium. Besides, who will bet against the No.1 team?
With all due respect to Iceland, they can undoubtedly produce moments of magic. They also have a penchant for upsetting big teams (case in point: their 1-1 draw with Argentina). Unfortunately, I just haven’t seen enough to convince myself that they can do it in Brussels.
Not to mention there is nothing left for them to fight for (aside from their pride) as they have already been relegated to League B.
I predict Belgium to get another victory here, though injuries to key players will likely affect the team and slow them a bit.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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