Belgium will look to cement the top spot in the group when they host Estonia in Group F. With only three games remaining before the qualifying campaign is over in November, a win would guarantee at least a four-point advantage over third-placed Sweden in the group standings.
Preview (Belgium vs. Estonia)
Despite the fact that Belgium’s 1-0 victory over Azerbaijan on Saturday afternoon was decided by a fortunate goal from Yannick Carrasco, it was still enough to move the Red Devils above of Austria and into first place in Group F of the European Championship qualification tournament. In Baku’s oppressive heat, Belgium’s Leandro Trossard hit the post before Johan Bakayoko’s long drive touched Carrasco and went in. By holding out for all three points, Belgium moved into first place on goal differential.
Domenico Tedesco’s team has 10 points after four games. It puts them four points ahead of third-placed Sweden at the halfway point. They are on track to earn a certain spot in Germany next year. Belgium can further solidify their position in Group F’s top two by defeating Estonia twice. At the end of the last campaign, they defeated Estonia 3-0 thanks to goals from Bakayoko and Romelu Lukaku. Following a poor World Cup campaign, new manager Tedesco got off to a great start as Belgium defeated Sweden with a hat-trick from striker Romelu Lukaku in their first qualifying match before defeating Germany 3-2 in a friendly.
With the departure of several key players from the previous generation and the injuries to Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne, new players like Jeremy Doku of Manchester City and Bakayoko of PSV are now leading the Red Devils in their quest for that elusive maiden international championship. Belgium will believe that automatic qualifying for Euro 2024 is theirs to claim if they can finish this month’s camp with six points from six, extending their unbeaten streak to seven games. Estonia lost to Austria 2-1 on Saturday night, their third setback in Group F after losing to Belgium 1-0 at home and losing in a closer game 2-1 at Austria.
Team News
Thibaut Courtois, Belgium’s first-choice goalkeeper, and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne are both out injured. Domenico Tedesco has chosen a number of players with fewer than 20 caps this month. This includes Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne’s new Manchester City teammate. Romelu Lukaku, the vice-captain, joined captain Jan Vertonghen in the 100-cap club. Less seasoned players like Johan Bakayoko and Arthur Theate also began in Azerbaijan. They will likely play again on Tuesday night.
While Matz Sels and unproven Luton Town goalie Thomas Kaminski are also options, Koen Casteels should continue to fill in for Courtois in goal. Following their humiliating defeat by Sweden, Estonia may make a few adjustments, but Swiss coach Thomas Haberli has few real options. In spite of recent retirements and injuries, Belgium’s team still has plenty of attacking skill, therefore victory seems unavoidable. As a result of their weekend defeat, Estonia will make an effort to keep the final score low in Brussels. However, as the game progresses and new opportunities arise, the Red Devils can fully capitalize.
Belgium 4 – 0 Estonia
For more football previews, click here
