Belgium enter this Group G clash needing more control after an opening draw that exposed some defensive gaps, while Iran showed attacking verve but also conceded twice in their first match. The Red Devils' superior individual quality, epitomised by the creative hub of Kevin De Bruyne and the finishing of Romelu Lukaku, should allow them to dominate possession and territory. Iran have dangerous counter-attacking weapons in Mehdi Taremi and Mehdi Ghayedi, but their defensive unit shipped two goals against a less potent attack and faces a far sterner examination here. Expect Belgium's sustained pressure to eventually break down a resilient but ultimately overmatched Iranian side, with Lukaku making the decisive impact.
Belgium possess a clear talent advantage across the pitch and, despite a disjointed opener, their underlying xG figure of 1.35 suggests they create high-quality chances against lower-ranked opposition.
Both matches in Group G so far have seen both teams find the net, and Iran created 1.5 xG in their opener. Belgium's defence has also kept zero clean sheets, indicating a leaky line that Iran's forwards can exploit.
The opening fixtures involving these two teams produced a combined six goals, and both sides' attacking metrics outstrip their defensive numbers, pointing towards a fixture with at least three goals.
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Also in Group Stage Matchweek 2
Belgium
Wound
Iran
No team news reported
Belgium
MID · 90' · 6 key passes
GK · 90'
DEF · 90' · 4 shots (4 on target)
1
| 3 |
| -6 |
| 1 |
MID · 90' · 3 key passes · 2 shots (1 on target)
DEF · 90' · 1 shot
Iran
GK · 90'
DEF · 90' · 1 shot
DEF · 90' · 1 key pass · 1 shot (1 on target)
DEF · 90'
MID · 90' · 2 key passes
4
25
15
8
23
10
7
22
9Belgium
Coach: Rudi Garcia
Iran
Coach: Amir Ghalenoei
