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On June 22nd, 2014 Group H will have their second two group matches, with Belgium taking on Russia earlier in the day, then South Korea taking on Algeria later on.
5th favourites to win the World Cup, Belgium were upset early by Algeria and went 1-0 down to a penalty. They turned it around however, and won the game 2-1 but really the result could have been so many more goals. Belgium racked up 16 shots on goal with 10 on target, and absolutely dominated possession. Despite that – the Belgiums still seemed to be lacking that killer instinct that a team generally needs to go far in the World Cup, so this game is quite an interesting one.
Russia had a much more even game with the Korea Republic. They drew 1-1 there after going behind late in the game but tied it up. Russia looked very flat, although Kokorin did look solid on the counter attack. What was interesting though was when Russia went down 1-0. Capello immediately changed the team and the shape, bringing on some key substitutes that turned the game around.
So it really makes for quite an interesting game here. Russia generally want to win obviously, but do they come out with the intent to attack as they did against South Korea? Or do they sit back and focus on the counter initially, believing that’s the best way to expose the Belgians?
Belgium vs Russia Betting Odds:
Belgium To Win: 1/1
Draw: 5/2
Russia To Win: 16/5
Over 2.5 Goals: 11/10
Under 2.5 Goals: 7/10
The best odds for Belgium vs Russia.
Belgium vs Russia Betting Tips:
While I do like Belgium, and you have to hope they get better as the tournament goes on – I think Russia is a value bet we just can’t ignore here.
This is a tight game between the teams, and our system has Belgium as slight favourites. Based on that, we have to do the value bet on Russia to win.
With both teams playing first, Russia know that winning is key here. They need to put themselves in the best position for the final games – otherwise that draw could throw things off and really complicate matters.
With Russia also setting out to counter attack in the first game, a win here would allow them to sit back in the 3rd game against Algeria and counter attack there.
Under 2.5 goals is tempting – but not at those odds. We’ll look in the betting props for something there.
Easy, easy value bet on Russia to win. 16/5 odds .
Belgium vs Russia Betting Props:
For this one, we’re looking at the goals market and specifically the unders.
Regardless of what happens in this game or how the teams line up – the first half is expected to be very cautious. I can see both teams starting very slow, and trying to find their footing.
Under 1.5 goals is 1/3 odds for the first half – that’s not pretty at all. Under 0.5 is 13/8 but it’s possible there will be a goal – not too happy with 0-0, especially if Belgium find confidence.
The betting prop for Belgium vs Russia is 2nd half having the most goals, 21/20 odds.
Bet Belgium vs Russia 2nd half having most goals.
