Finally, Group H steps into the spotlight at the World Cup in Brazil, and the action begins with Belgium and Algeria. Belgium is the middle of a soccer renaissance with a slew of talented players from front to back, but you have to play the games and Algeria isn’t going to roll over for the Europeans.
World Cup Odds: Belgium -220, Algeria +685, Draw +345
Why Belgium Can Win
Belgium simply has more talent than anyone in Group H and they have to show that here against Algeria. Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku are a very good duo up front with Kevin de Bruyne being the supply line from midfield, and even though he suffered a knock in training, he’ll be fine for this game. Marouane Fellaini, Axel Witsel and Mousa Dembele will battle for spots in the middle of the pitch, Vincent Kompany captains the team from the back and keeper Thibault Courtois had a splendid season at Atletico Madrid. The biggest questions come in defense, where Kompany needs a partner in the middle of the back line; the spot will go to either Thomas Vermaelen or Daniel Buyten, who is the veteran of the team at 36.
On top of everything, manager Marc Wilmots has done an excellent job with this group of players. He knows what it means to pull on the jersey of the national team, which he did 70 times for Belgium and his 28 goals is tied for second all-time. Like his players, Wilmots is only getting better as a manager and he has to manage the expectations of his team very carefully.
Why Algeria Can Win
Algeria can be extremely difficult to break down and four years ago in South Africa, they gave up just two goals en route to another group-stage exit. Madjid Bougherra is the captain of the side and has the most caps at 62, and he is looking for a new club, so he will have plenty of motivation. There are a number of options to put along with him, but no one on the defense has more than 29 caps for their country and this could be Algeria’s downfall as they are the most inexperienced team in Brazil.
Going forward, Algeria has some solid options in Islam Slimani or Hillal Soudani, while Riyad Mahrez could make an appearance and Sofiane Feghouli can be tricky. These players will be crucial to Algeria’s counterattacking ability.
Outlook
These two have played each other just twice, with Belgium scoring a win and a draw; the last meeting came in 2003. Belgium has to get off to a good start to avoid the media and supporters getting on their case because it is all there in front of them to win Group H, but even a draw would get the critics going. Algeria will be stubborn, but how long can they hold out for? Belgium just has too much talent for them, and they should win quite handily.
Pick: Belgium
