Euro 2020: Group B – Finland vs Belgium

Finland meet Belgium in their final Group B match of Euro 2020 at Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia. 

A point could be enough for Finland to advance if Russia lose to Denmark elsewhere although a win could see them top Group B, whereas Belgium can seal their progress to the knockout stage as group winners with victory.

Victories for Finland and Russia however would complicate the maths at top of Group B as to the order of how they and Belgium advance.

 

Team News

Embed from Getty Images

Finland have no fresh injury concerns to report with manager, Markku Kanerva set to name an unchanged lineup.

Belgium manager, Roberto Martinez could rotate his squad with Kevin De Bruyne set to start after making an impact substitute appearance in a comeback win in Denmark on Thursday.

Thorgan Hazard however hasn’t travelled with the squad to Saint Petersburg after suffering a knee injury.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Finland’s first-ever meeting against Belgium at a major tournament.
• Finland have lost just three of 11 previous meetings against Belgium in all competitions (W4, D4, L3), plus are unbeaten in their last seven clashes (W4, D3).
• Belgium have won two of their five previous ‘away’ matches against Finland (W2, L3), whilst failing to score in their last two such clashes.
• No team has attempted more clearances in the opening two rounds of the Group Stage than Finland, who have made 77 clearance attempts.
• No Belgian player is yet to hit the post in this summer’s Euros.

 

Prediction

Having looked solid throughout their opening two games despite suffering contrasting fortunes in terms of 1-0 results, Finland will certainly be relishing this opportunity as underdogs despite having a strong record against Belgium to go with their counter-attack minded tactics.

Belgium meanwhile were rather sluggish in the first half against Denmark but benefitted from De Bruyne’s arrival as they found their groove in the second half, which they really need to quickly pick up from where they finished at full-time if they’re to get on the front foot early.

Finland’s defence though is going to be key to how this match plays out and despite their poor record, I have a feeling that Belgium will find a way through to cruise to a routine win.

Prediction: Finland 0-2 Belgium

Result: Finland 0-2 Belgium