While Belgium does boast a win over Spain in the penalty shootouts in the FIFA World Cup, albeit back in 1986, they have not managed a win over the Spanish in any of their last 11 meetings since then, seeing defeats in the last 9. A herculean task if I’ve ever seen any.
It's World Cup quarterfinal action on Friday, July 10, as Belgium travels to Los Angeles to face a Spain side that has not conceded a single goal in the tournament. La Roja boss Luis de la Fuente will be aiming to keep their perfect defensive record intact.
Team Form
Spain: The only team yet to concede a goal at these finals, keeping six straight clean sheets.
Belgium: Unbeaten in 18 games across all competitions while averaging over 2.5 goals per game.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
Spain has won nine of the nations' last 11 meetings since suffering a defeat at Euro 1980.
Belgium and Spain have one win apiece across their previous two World Cup contests.
Spain has kept a record six straight clean sheets, accounting for more than 10 hours of football.
Mikel Oyarzabal has been clinical for Spain, recording 23 goal involvements from his last 17 international starts.
Belgium's substitutes have scored five goals at this World Cup, the most of any team.
Charles De Ketelaere became the first Belgian to register three goal involvements in a single World Cup match.
What to Expect From Both Teams
Spain | World Cup Form: DWWW:
Luis de la Fuente's side enters this clash with immense confidence, looking to preserve a historic defensive record in front of global fans.
With a squad featuring seasoned veterans like Aymeric Laporte and clinical finishers like Mikel Oyarzabal, they provide a stern test for any opposition.
Having strolled past Austria and Portugal in the knockout rounds, this fixture against Belgium is a strategic move to reach the semi-finals.
Belgium | World Cup Form: DDWWW:
Rudi Garcia's men are looking to extend an 18-game unbeaten streak after an emphatic 4-1 success over the USA.
Despite the tragic ACL injury to Amadou Onana, the Red Devils still boast experienced heads like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
With a semi-final spot against France or Morocco looming, finding their rhythm in Los Angeles is a top priority for the technical bench.
Predicted Lineups
Spain (possible):
Simon, Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Pedri, Yamal, Olmo, Baena, Oyarzabal.
Belgium (possible):
Courtois, Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper, Vanaken, Tielemans, Lukebakio, De Bruyne, Trossard, De Ketelaere.
Matchups & Players to Watch
Lamine Yamal: The Euro 2024 star will start on La Roja's right wing, posing a constant threat to Belgium's back four.
Kevin De Bruyne: A vital cog in the Belgium engine room who could return to the starting lineup to disrupt Spain's midfield.
Mikel Oyarzabal: Arrives in great form, having recorded 23 goal involvements from his last 17 international starts.
Charles De Ketelaere: The false nine will be expected to lead the line and breach Spain's unbreakable defence.
Odds Market on MSport
Spain/Home to win = 1.68
Belgium/Away to win = 5.64
Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 1.83
Over 2.5 total goals = 1.84
This clash presents a classic clash of momentum: a dominant defensive side in Spain faces a Belgium team desperate to replicate their 1986 heroics.
With both teams using this as a vital step toward football's greatest prize, Los Angeles is set for a compelling international night.
