The 2018 World Cup has not been kind to many of its pre-tournament favorites with Germany and Argentina picking up disappointing losses and Brazil and Spain settling for draws in their tournament openers. Belgium was the exception to this rule, looking extremely sharp in a 3-0 win over Panama last Monday. On Saturday, Belgium will look to earn another three points when it faces Tunisia.
Belgium is the biggest favorite on the board on Saturday going off at -325 to win this match at Sportsbook. Panama would pay +950 on an outright upset and +400 if it is able to force a draw. Totals bettors can take the OVER 2.5 at -105 or the UNDER 2.5 at -115.
- Romelu Lukaku has scored seven goals in his last five games for Belgium.
- England needed a 91st-minute Harry Kane goal to beat Tunisia 2-1.
- Belgium scored 43 goals in 10 UEFA World Cup qualifying matches.
Bet on the 2018 World Cup here
Romelu Lukaku remains red-hot
With two goals in Monday’s 3-0 victory, Romelu Lukaku continued the torrid scoring run he has been on for his international team. The Belgian superstar has now scored four goals in Belgium’s last two games and seven goals in its last five games. More goals are likely on the horizon this weekend.
At +900 to win the Golden Boot in this year’s World Cup, Lukaku offers some serious value. Sure, Cristiano Ronaldo is a worthy favorite at +150 that will be tough to top, but Portugal doesn’t figure to be strong enough to make a deep run in the knockout round. If this is finally the year Belgium gets over the hump, the extra matches Lukaku gets along the way could be enough to eventually put him over the top.
Tunisia must bounce back from heartbreaker
Tunisia played admirably in its World Cup opener against England and looked poised to pick up a hard-earned 1-1 draw that could have turned the group on its head. Instead, Harry Kane converted on a set piece in the 91st minute to cripple Tunisia’s hopes of advancing. The team will need to have a short memory and put forth its best effort against this Belgium team to have any shot at keeping this one close.
Belgium worth laying the points for
Belgium mowed through its 10 World Cup qualifying matches with 43 goals scored and only six allowed. This team has an electrifying offense, and at a reasonable price of +110 on Belgium -1.5, laying the points might be more favorable than eating the chalk on the moneyline.
