Friendly International, 02-08. June

[spkutano]

 

[ALEXXXXXXX]

Belgium

This match is Belgium's last warm-up match before the start of the European Cup, and the team should arrange for the main players to play. However, De Bruyne was injured in the Champions League final, and he will definitely choose to rest this game. Another star Hazard has been in a relatively mediocre state recently.


Greece

After Greece's last match with Georgia, they have been unbeaten in 11 consecutive games recently. But they did not participate in the European Cup finals, this game is of little significance to them.


Betting Verdict:

The strength gap between the two sides is huge, and there is not much suspense in this game. The 1X2 first odds is 1.22-6.00-9.00, thich means support the home team. Belgium should win this game easily.


Pick: 1

 

[spkutano]

Belgium vs Croatia Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Belgium:
Courtois; Alderweireld, Denayer, Vertonghen; Castagne, Tielemans, Dendoncker, T. Hazard; Doku, Lukaku, Trossard

Croatia:
Livakovic; Vrsaljko, Vida, Caleta-Car, Barisic; Brozovic, Modric; Vlasic, Pasalic, Perisic; Kramaric

Belgium host Croatia at the King Baudouin Stadium in a friendly match as both teams continue their preparations for the upcoming EURO. The Red Devils are currently the best team in the World. They are ranked first in the FIFA list and they are between the favorites for the trophy. Their fans expect a successful campaign from their golden generation of player. Belgium were excellent during the qualifications and finished as first in Group I. It was a superb campaign, they won all matches with a combined goal difference of 40:3. Coach Roberto Martinez is doing a great job and the fans are satisfied. But he has one big problem at the moment. Key midfielder Kevin De Bruyne suffered a double fracture to his nose and left orbital in the Champions League final against Chelsea. Martinez has confirmed his key creative will miss the opening game of the European Championship. De Bruyne is set to wear a protective mask when he does return to action. Of course, Belgium will be without his best player in this friendly. The Red Devils played only an 1:1 draw in the friendly against Greece on Thursday. They were also missing Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois on that match, though it shouldn't be an excuse. It is expected Martinez to make some alterations, so the likes of Timothy Castagne, Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard could start from the first minute. Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard should not be risked here.

Croatia were the most pleasant surprise at the World Cup 2018 in Russia. As You probably know, they finished second after losing the final from France. But the results since that success were not at desired level. Croatia narrowly avoided relegation to League B in the UEFA Nations League, they finished level on points with the relegated Sweden, but had better goal difference. In the qualifications for the European Championship they were better and secured five victories from eight games. The current form is solid, Zlatko Dalic's men have two wins and one draw on the last three matches. First they beat Cyprus with 1:0 thanks to the first half goal scored by Mario Pasalic. The second victory was obtain against Malta. Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric and Josip Brekalo secured a high 3:0 win. Three days ago Croatia played a friendly against low-ranked Armenia, but failed to register a victory. Ivan Perisic, who played his 100th game for the national team, scored in the 24th minute, but Armenia equalized in the 72nd minute through Wbeymar Angulo. Nevertheless, something else was worrying coach Dalic more than the result - Josip Brekalo twisted his ankle during the first half against Armenia. He won't be risked against Belgium, but remains doubtful for the opening match against England on Wembley. Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic joined the squad on Friday and he is expected to start from the bench. Dejan Lovren and Ante Rebic have both recovered from injuries and should take part in the match, most probably coming as substitutes.

Belgium vs Croatia Prediction:

Belgium had won 18 of their past 21 games. Moreover, it’s been over five years since they have lost at home. They are favorites in this match, however, I think Croatia could remain unbeaten at the King Baudouin Stadium. The key reason for my pick is connect with the injury situation in Belgium squad. As I wrote above, the key player Kevin De Bruyne suffered an injury in the Champions League final against Chelsea and won't play here. Without him Belgium failed to beat Greece three days ago and I expect Croatia to take advantage from the situation too.

Belgium vs Croatia Pick: Croatia +0.5 @ 2.6 with Pinnacle

 

[Randy Smith]

Greece has not played badly in the last four games, they score at least one goal, you can safely bet on the total of 1 or more. I will watch this team on Euro.