UEFA EURO 2020 – Finland vs Belgium Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Finland vs Belgium kick off? Monday 21st June, 2021 – 20:00 (UK)
Where is Finland vs Belgium being played? Saint-Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg
Where can I get tickets for Finland vs Belgium? Click here for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Finland vs Belgium on in the UK? BBC
Where can I stream Finland vs Belgium in the UK? This match can be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All matches: Finland 4 wins, Belgium 3 wins, 4 draws
Last meeting: Belgium 1-1 Finland (01/06/16)
THE LOWDOWN
FINLAND
- Finland failed to back up their 0-1 victory accrued over Denmark in their opening Group B match, after losing 1-0 to Russia in Saint Petersburg last Wednesday, throwing the group wide open in terms of qualification.
- Knowing the quality of this Belgian side on the counter attack, Finland cannot afford to push too many bodies forward at once and will need to pick their moments to attack as they bid to cause the biggest shock result of EURO 2020 so far.
- Captain Tim Sparv entered the tournament not fully fit and after starting against Denmark, was left on the bench for the Russia match, however the midfielder is expected to come back into the starting line-up here, replacing Rasmus Schuller.
BELGIUM
- After a nightmarish first half vs Denmark that saw them lucky to go in at half time just a goal behind, Belgium reverted back to type in the second half with the help of their substitutes to come back and secure a 1-2 win, giving them six points from their first two Group B fixtures and becoming the second side to officially secure their place in the knockout stage.
- Kevin De Bruyne made the biggest impact, assisting the equaliser and then scoring the winning goal, after the Man City midfielder was brought on at half time for his first appearance since fracturing both his nose and eye socket in the Champions League final.
- As well as each playing their part in the Red Devils’ comeback, De Bruyne, captain Eden Hazard and defensive midfielder Axel Witsel gained more vital minutes from the bench and will step up their road to fully fledged fitness against Finland, with Belgium boss Roberto Martinez confirming that all three will start the match in a fixture that will see a number of changes made to the Belgium starting line-up.
THE TEAM NEWS
FINLAND
PREDICTED XI (5-3-2): Hradecky; Raitala, Toivio, Arajuuri, O’Shaughnessy, Uronen; Lod, Sparv, Kamara; Pohjanpalo, Pukki
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
BELGIUM
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Courtois; Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen; Meunier, Witsel, Tielemans, Carrasco; De Bruyne, E. Hazard; Batshuayi
UNAVAILABLE: Castagne (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Three of the last four international matches between Finland and Belgium have finished level – Draw
- Finland have only failed to score in one of their previous 11 international matches against Belgium – Finland to score
- Belgium have won each of their last 12 EURO matches (qualifying and final combined) – Belgium to win
- Belgium have not failed to score in their last 32 international matches. The last time was vs France in 2018 World Cup semi-finals (L 1-0) – Belgium to score
- Belgium have scored two goals or more in four of their last six EURO final tournament matches – Belgium over 1.5 goals
THE PREDICTION
Finland could still qualify for the round of 16 even if they were to lose here, but the odds would be against them and Belgium aren’t planning to take it easy on them, with Roberto Martinez looking to ensure that all his key players returning from injury are fit and firing ahead of the business end of EURO 2020. Even if star striker Romelu Lukaku is to be afforded a rest, the likes of De Bruyne and Eden Hazard both starting is a daunting prospect for Finland. Ultimately the firepower and strength in depth of this Belgium squad will surely prove too strong for Finland and lead to the number one ranked country in the world making it three wins from three in Group B.
Tip: BELGIUM TO WIN
For fixtures, results, TV schedule, top scorers and plenty more, visit our tournament home page here!
