In the last Euro campaign, Belgium, who had a very stacked squad, disappointed. The Red Devils suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of underdogs Wales. However, Roberto Martinez’s side are back with another set of quality players with the hope of clinching the country’s first Euro title.

Belgium were ruthless in qualification, winning all 10 games and scoring a commendable 40 goals whilst conceding just three.

Russia, who they will face in the group stages, were also one of their opponents in qualification, making light work of them in both games with an aggregate score line of 7-2. Cherchesov’s side will certainly go into their opening game with vengeance.

An easy win for Belgium

Roberto Martinez’s side have shown over the last few years that they have the firepower to go against the world’s best teams. Romelu Lukaku, who led the team in scoring during qualification with seven goals, will be entrusted to lead the line in what could be another demolition.

Eden Hazard, despite his loss of form and constant injuries with Real Madrid, should not be underestimated when he puts on the colours of his country. The former Chelsea man led qualification in assists with seven.

If Russia are to cause any form of upset, Artem Dzyuba is their man. The striker netted nine goals whilst assisting five in the qualifiers.

This game will likely be a Belgium win and over 2.5 which has been priced by Betway at 2.63.

Team news

Belgium announced their final squad on 17^th May, 2021. There have been no issues since then.

Belgium predicted XI: Courtois, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Denayer, Chadli, Dendoncker, Tielemans, Castagne, De Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku.

Stanislav Cherchesov announced Russia’s initial 30-man squad on 11^th May, 2021. The final squad was announced on 2^nd June.

Russia predicted XI: Shunin, Kudryashov, Dzhikiya, Zhirkov, Golovin, Ozdoyev, Kuzyayev, Fernandes, Dzyuba, Zhemaletdinov

The odds

Belgium are unsurprisingly favorites for this one with Betway pricing their match result odds at 1.68 whilst Russia have their odds priced at 4.90. Romelu Lukaku has been sensational this past year and has been tipped to score at any moment in this game, with his odds priced at 2.32.

Belgium v Russia head-to-head

16^th November, 2019: Russia 1-4 Belgium (UEFA European Championship qualifiers)

21^st March, 2019: Belgium 3-1 Russia (UEFA European Championship qualifiers)

28^th March, 2017: Russia 3-3 Belgium (International Friendly)

22^nd June, 2014: Belgium 1-0 Russia (FIFA World Cup)

17^th November, 2010: Russia 0-2 Belgium (International Friendly)

Belgium have been the better of the two sides on head-to-head basis, winning four of their last five games and losing none. The two sides have never faced each other in the European Championships itself. However, they have battled twice in the FIFA World Cup, with Roberto Martinez’s side winning both games.

Belgium have never lost a game to Russia since they first met in 24^th April,1996. The two have played seven times so far with Russia losing five of them.

How to follow the tournament in Ghana

Betway is a proud sponsor of the coverage of the Euro 2020 on the Multimedia Group.

Enjoy selected live matches televised on Joy Prime (English) and Adom TV (Akan). You can also watch games in high definition on the HD+ Decoder, where Joy Prime HD is channel 102 and Adom TV HD is channel 103.

On radio, get live commentary of this match in English (Joy 99.7 FM, Luv 99.5 FM and/or Hitz 103.9 FM) or in Akan (Adom 106.3 FM, Nhyira 104.5 FM, and Asempa 94.7 FM).

You can also get all the above programs (radio and TV) streaming on the media section of this website.