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Football | Tuesday, November 22, 2022 2:53 PM (Revised at: Thursday, November 24, 2022 8:15 AM)

Belgium vs Canada Bet Builder: Goals & Corners Make 2.87 Builder

Belgium vs Canada Bet Builder: Goals & Corners Make 2.87 Builder
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Belgium vs Canada Bet Builder: Wednesday, November, 23rd

The opening games of the 2022 World Cup have produced a plethora of talking points and I have pored over the stats to bring you my Belgium vs Canada bet builder tips. The Ahmad bin Ali Stadium plays host as the Red Devils take on Les Rouges in the second game of Group F.

In this article:


Belgium vs Canada Preview

World Cup Group F, Wednesday, November 23rd, 19:00 (UK)

If it’s not already too late, this will be the last opportunity for Belgium’s “Golden Generation” to secure a trophy. The 3rd placed finish at Russia 2018 will be tough to replicate here in Qatar.

Friday’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Egypt certainly wasn’t the momentum-building preparation that Roberto Martinez would have been dreaming of. Despite starting the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, the defeat in Kuwait was the second in succession. This followed a 1-0 defeat to the Netherlands which ended a disappointing Nations League campaign.

As overwhelming favourites, the Red Devils will expect to get off to a winning start here, just as they did with a 3-0 win over Panama in 2018. It’s worth noting Martinez guided his side to Qatar via an undefeated qualifying campaign that saw them top their section ahead of Wales.

This feels like a massive moment for Canada. Their first World Cup in 36 years on the back of an impressive CONCACAF qualifying campaign which saw them top the section. Following impressive stints in charge of both New Zealand and Canada Women’s National Teams, the County-Durham-born John Herdman has masterminded an impressive rise up the FIFA Men’s World Rankings. Leading his team from 79th up to their current 41st sandwiched by Scotland and Norway to give an indication of their current standing.

In contrast to their opponents, the Maple Leafs warmed up for this clash with a victory. Despite missing some key personnel a solid team performance saw a 2-1 win over Japan in Dubai on Thursday. It is clear that the Canadians are not in Qatar to make up the numbers and will certainly have eyes on taking at least one prize scalp.


Belgium vs Canada Stats & Facts

  • Making their 14th appearance, no European team has qualified for as many FIFA World Cup tournaments as Belgium without ever winning it.
  • Belgium were the top scoring side at the last FIFA World Cup, in 2018. They found the net 16 times on their way to a third-place finish.
  • Canada lost all three matches in their only previous FIFA World Cup appearance in 1986, failing to score a goal. One of four nations to play at least three matches at the FIFA World Cup and never score.
  • John Herdman will become the first manager to coach in both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups, having previously taken charge of New Zealand Women (2007, 2011) and Canada Women (2015).

Belgium vs Canada Bet Builder

As alluded to in the opening sentence, this will be the last hurrah for Belgium’s golden generation. They had a squad with the highest average age at the European Championships last summer and not much has changed since then.

A side with Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings will always score goals and so it proves to be the case. The initial absence of Romelu Lukaku to finish those chances will of course be a miss. But under Martinez, this side scores goals. They have scored in all but two of their competitive games under him since he was appointed in August 2016.

Even without their number 9, this game should not join the 2018 World Cup semi-final and September’s Nations League clash with the Netherlands where they drew blanks. However, an ageing defence which could include former Tottenham pairing Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld looks vulnerable. A lack of pace and athleticism looks at high risk of being exploited by this vibrant Canadian attack.

The width, pace and movement provided by Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan has my eyes lighting up at the prospect of both teams scoring. Davies has starred for Bayern Munich and although he is an injury doubt, it is hoped he will be able to take his place. David is a much sought after striker plundering goals for Lille in Ligue 1. While this is a big game for Buchanan who impressed in the MLS but is now plying his trade in Belgium.

Expect quick transitions as Herdman gets his side playing quickly through the lines. Les Rouges were CONCACAF World Cup qualifying top scorers with 23 goals from their 14 matches. They certainly know where the goal is and they unquestionably have the ability to find it again here.

A by-product of their play also leads to the second leg of this builder. Playing with pace and width, expect the athletic Canadians to exploit any over-commitments from the world ranked number 2 side. Jonathan David will be given licence to work right across the line hunting space. Although a proven goalscorer, the 22-year-old will also drop deep, create space and run the channels.

Canada have been happy to see less than 30% possession and hit quick and direct on the counter so this setup will not phase them. This whole style of play certainly lends itself to a side winning plenty of corners. Something I have seen the Maple Leafs do on several occasions.

They have taken 71 flag kicks across their last 10 competitive internationals, taking at least three in all bar one of those. As for Belgium, they have conceded four corners in each of their last four competitive internationals and at least three in eight of their last 10.

  • Yes on BTTS
  • Over 2 Corners in the Match for Canada

Bet Builder odds: 2.87 (TRACKED BET)

  • Stakes: 7/10

Odds via bet365 as at 14:00 November 22nd 2022. Odds may now differ.


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