Belgium face Iran in Los Angeles on Sunday and will be aiming to earn a first Group G win after being held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt in their opening World Cup clash.
The Red Devils trailed the Pharaohs and needed a Mohamed Hany own goal to level the scores, so will be hoping for a brighter start when they take on Team Melli.
Iran and New Zealand currently occupy the top two spots in the Group G standings after scoring two goals each as their game ended all square on Monday, the All Whites twice taking the lead.
Latest Belgium World Cup betting on site.
Belgium v Iran Tips Summary
Best Bet - Belgium to win @ 21/50
Alternative Bet - Romelu Lukaku anytime goalscorer @ 21/20
Bet Builder - Over 2 goals, Kevin De Bruyne 1+ shot on target & Jeremy Doku to be fouled 3+ times @ 9/2
Belgium v Iran Prediction
Best Bet: Belgium to win @ 21/50
Belgium are a side in transition with only a few members of the country’s famed Golden Generation still playing and part of the national team set-up.
However, with Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois still turning out at the highest level in the later stages of their career, the Red Devils remain capable of competing and defeating any side on their day.
Rudi Garcia's men are on a run of 14 games without defeat following the opening draw with Egypt, but will be eager to get back to winning ways against Iran to take a big step towards securing their progress.
Team Melli have a point on the board after their opener but conceding twice to New Zealand suggests Belgium can take advantage of defensive frailties and take the three points.
Iran may have scored a total of 10 goals to defeat Costa Rica, Gambia and Mali in pre-World Cup friendly games but the Red Devils are a different proposition and should prove too strong.
Alternative Bet: Romelu Lukaku anytime goalscorer @ 21/20
Romelu Lukaku has endured a tough campaign, making just five Serie A appearances for Napoli due to injury.
However, while he is unable to start games currently due to his fitness issues, the powerful striker can still be a threat off the bench and made an impact during his 24-minute cameo against Egypt.
With Iran already letting in a couple of goals in Group G, Lukaku will relish converting any chances that come his way when he eventually takes to the field against Team Melli.
Now 33, Lukaku has netted 90 goals for the Belgium national team and is the country’s record scorer.
The Iran defence struggled against Chris Wood and will face a tough task in keeping the former Chelsea, Everton and Inter Milan forward quiet and backing Lukaku to score anytime could well be a smart play.
Belgium v Iran Bet Builder Tip
- Over 2 goals
- Kevin De Bruyne 1+ shot on target
- Jeremy Doku to be fouled 3+ times
Pays 9/2
Belgium have recorded a range of goal tallies this season, managing to score only once in games against Egypt, Mexico and Kazakhstan, yet finding the net five times against Tunisia and the USA and hitting seven past Liechtenstein.
Based on Iran’s defensive showing against New Zealand though, the Red Devils should create plenty of opportunities in LA and look capable of scoring at least three on their own.
Kevin De Bruyne is considered one of the best creators in football history, setting up countless chances, but the midfielder isn’t afraid to take aim himself either.
The former Manchester City maestro recorded four shots against Egypt and though none were on target, De Bruyne should be able to produce an effort to test Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand on Saturday.
Out wide, Jeremy Doku will look to be direct and skilful to get on top of the opposition. The forward was halted five times by Egypt and could easily draw three fouls with his willingness to take on defenders.
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Key Match Stats
- Belgium drew 1-1 in their opening game against Egypt
- Iran twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with New Zealand
- Belgium recorded 15 shots against Egypt but only three efforts were on target
- Of Iran's 17 shots against the All Whites, only four were on target
- New Zealand hit the target with eight of their 14 attempts against Team Melli
- Belgium have lost just once under manager Rudi Garcia, winning nine and drawing five
- Iran are playing at their seventh World Cup, appearing at five of the last six tournaments
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
