Spain and Belgium last played a meaningful match 17 years ago.
Spain has won the last five contests against Belgium, outscoring the Red Devils 13-1, but the last actual match was a friendly 10 years ago, a 2-0 Spain win. Having played 23 times, this is an age-old rivalry that dates all the way back to 1921.
A lot has changed for both teams over the past decade. Both countries have developed and produced rock-solid pro players, making this a golden age for each nation.
The difference is that one country has won one World Cup, one Nations League, and three European Championships. Spain has been at the top of the global soccer food chain for a while and is chomping at the bit, inching its way toward that golden Cup one game at a time.
Belgium may not be able to claim nearly as much, but it did claim a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, with some of those same players now making their final curtain call at this World Cup.
The Belgian coach has made some bold but calculated decisions in terms of substitutions and starters. All of his decisions have worked and paid huge dividends in getting Belgium to this stage.
Now the coach has everyone wondering, including Spain, if Lukaku and De Bruyne will start or even play. Having made five changes against the USA in the Round of 16, one can anticipate that more surprises and changes could be on the way.
Spain has been very consistent and has fortunately remained healthy. The substitution decisions have been spot on, keeping the core of the roster healthy and injury-free thus far.
Having not conceded a goal to date, the Spaniards’ confidence is running high. It is easy to understand why, knowing Spain has been absolutely dominant in the possession department every game, wearing opponents down while forcing them to chase the ball.
This may change because Belgium has generated the most chances at this World Cup and has netted a few nice goals along the way. Coming off a 4-1 win over the U.S., the Red Devils tried some new things and now have takeaways from that process, giving them options against a Spain side that is, without a doubt, one of the hottest teams in the competition.
We are going under the Hollywood sign and back to Los Angeles, where scripts are made and stars are born. In SoCal’s multi-billion-dollar stadium, this has become the world’s largest stage, where performance counts and passion matters.
It is going to be a multicultural futbol festival where the thrill of victory will collide with the agony of defeat, and drama can be pinpointed on the momentum graph.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Spain advances.
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