World Cup Preview: Spain VS Belgium - prediction, team news, lineups

[(Spain) Strength]:
1. Spain advanced to the round of 16 by narrowly defeating Portugal in the last round, and their performances in this World Cup have improved with each match. The team are aiming for this year's World Cup title, and they will go all out for victory against Belgium, with high morale across the squad.
2. Spain drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in the first group match, thrashed Saudi Arabia 4-0 in the second, and narrowly beat Uruguay 1-0 in the third, topping the group with 2 wins and 1 draw. They scored 5 goals and conceded none in three matches, with their possession-based system operating smoothly.
3. With Yamal's return, Spain's attack has been fully revitalized. They beat Austria 3-0 in the round of 32 and eliminated Portugal 1-0 in the last round, scoring 9 goals in 5 matches. Consecutive wins against European teams have given them a significant psychological advantage when facing Belgium.
4. Defense is Spain's greatest strength. They have kept clean sheets in five matches, with goalkeeper Simon in excellent form. The midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri, and Merino can both control the tempo and effectively protect the defense.
5. Spain have improved steadily since entering the knockout stages, beating Austria 3-0 in the round of 32 and eliminating Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16 with a 91st-minute winner from Merino, defeating two strong European teams in a row.
6. Spain have maintained a perfect record against Belgium in five international meetings since 2004, conceding only one goal in those five matches.
7. Spain's recent handicap performance has shown an upward trend. Apart from the first match where they were unexpectedly held to a draw by Cape Verde and lost the handicap, they have won the handicap in all four subsequent matches.
 

[(Belgium) Strength]:
1. Belgium's performances in this World Cup have been getting better. In the last round, they withstood pressure to eliminate USA and advance. Against Spain, they will give their all to break the curse of never having beaten Spain and strive to advance, with ample fighting spirit.
2. Belgium have scored 10 goals in 5 World Cup matches, averaging 2 goals per game. Forwards like De Ketelaere, Lukaku, and Trossard have all shown impressive attacking performances.
3. In the round of 16 against hosts USA, De Ketelaere scored a brace in the first half, with Vanaken and Lukaku each adding a goal in a 4-1 thrashing of the hosts. Key midfielder De Bruyne did not play, and key attackers Doku and Lukaku came off the bench, giving Belgium's starting lineup a certain physical advantage from this big win.
 

[(Belgium) Neutral]:
1. Belgium drew with Egypt and Iran in their first two group matches, putting their qualification in jeopardy. They beat New Zealand 5-1 in the final group match to top the group. They scored 6 goals and conceded 2 in three matches, with their attack gradually recovering, though their offensive efficiency in the first two matches was heavily criticized.
 

[(Belgium) Weakness]:
1. Belgium's main defensive midfielder Onana suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the match against USA and has been confirmed to miss this game. Head coach Rudi Garcia still relies on several veteran players, with midfield control and defensive stability being potential concerns.
2. Belgium's defense has notable weaknesses, having conceded in four of five matches. They will face immense pressure from Spain's sustained possession. Onana's absence has almost eliminated the midfield barrier. His replacement, Vanaken, has height but is slower in pace, while players like Tielemans and De Bruyne are stronger offensively than defensively, putting Belgium's defense under increased pressure in this match.
3. Belgium's handicap performance in this World Cup has been inconsistent, losing the game handicap in 3 of their last 5 matches.
 

[Tips]:
Spain's defensive solidity, having kept five clean sheets, combined with the weakening of Belgium's midfield barrier due to the absence of key defensive midfielder Onana, is Spain's greatest advantage. Spain's ball possession can limit Belgium's counter-attacks, giving them a clear edge in a war of attrition.

Although Belgium have the ability to change the game in an instant, their defensive vulnerabilities, the advanced age of key players, and the decline in physical stamina in the second half could be amplified under Spain's sustained pressure.

Expect Spain to advance to the semi-finals with their more stable system and defensive resilience.
 

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