The World Cup has officially arrived, and the Ladbrokes blog is your one-stop shop for daily tips ahead of all the key games. From the Group Stages, right through to the World Cup Final, check back each day to find out who our football expert is backing!
Spain vs Belgium Tips & Predictions – World Cup Quarter Final Tips
Arguably the two most in-form teams of the tournament meet for a spot in the Semi’s, and it promises to be a good one if their respective Round of 16 games were any indication.
Spain sent Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal packing with a dramatic 1-0 win in stoppage time on Mikel Merino’s 91st minute goal, while Belgium downed the hopes of the USA, staging a dominant 4-1 victory.
An opening draw with Egypt to kick off Group G play looks a lot better on paper now that Egypt pushed Argentina all the way, while we’ve also seen The Red Devils pile on the goals in a matter of minutes against the Americans, but also against New Zealand.
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal is the obvious difference maker on attack that could separate these two sides, but it feels as though Belgium has enough quality in the final third with Romelu Lukaku finding the back of the net whenever Belgium need him most.
The fact Spain is yet to concede a goal all tournament makes them the rightful favourite, but after stunning Brazil on the quarter-final stage in 2018, I think the price available for Belgium is too good to ignore.
Prediction: Belgium to Cover (+1 Goal) @ $2.25
Value: Belgium to Win @ $3.50
Player Pick: Romelu Lukaku Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.25