Belgium Preview + Betting Tips: Hazard To Score But Injured Vermaelen Misses Out

Belgium take on South Korea at the Sao Paulo Arena knowing qualification to the knockout phase has already been secured.

Two wins from their opening two games sees the Belgian’s sit three points clear at the top and five points clear of bottom-placed South Korea, so all they need is a single point to ensure qualification as group H winners.

A 2-1 victory over Algeria in the opening game was followed up by a narrow 1-0 win over Russia last time out, and although Belgium have been far from convincing so far, they are living up to their bill as one of the ‘dark horses’ for the tournament.

South Korea on the other hand need victory to stand any chance of qualifying for the last 16 so hopefully this will lead to an open game with plenty of chances, as we’re backing over 2.5 goals. Even all three points would see then miss out if Algeria beat Russia while they also need to better Russia’s result, meaning a draw in tonight’s other Group H fixture would be ideal for Hong Myung-bo’s side.

Team News

With qualification secured, Belgium boss Marc Wilmots will take the opportunity to make a couple of changes. Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen is expected to start in place of Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen – who limped off with a knee injury against Russia last week Sunday – while Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany will also be rested as he’s carrying a groin injury.

Young striker Divock Origi grabbed the winner against the Russians and may start in attack ahead of Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku.

Soon to be out of contract Arsenal striker Park Chu-Young will continue up front for the Korean’s despite his poor form of late.

Betting Tips

It’s been another disappointing few days but we’re still sitting mid-table in the bwin Bloggers League so we’re hoping to leapfrog some of our rivals with some winning picks tonight.

Belgium to win and over 2.5 combined goals [odds 2.65]

Belgium are the favourites but there’s not much value in a straight bet on them to win so if we combine it with over 2.5 goals in the game, we get some much more attractive odds of 2.65.

Hazard first goal-scorer [odds 6.00]

With Lukaku expected to be rested, Hazard – who’s had a quiet tournament so far – could come to life. He is also likely to take penalties so he’s a good bet to open the scoring at 6.00.

Hazard to score first in 2-1 win [odds 29.00]

If you wanted to really spice things up you could go with Hazard to score first in a 2-1 win, which is on offer at odds of 29.00.

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All of the odds included are sourced from bwin.com and you can find more on bwin’s World Cup offering, including Double/Treble returns, here.

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