Russia – Belgium

Russia and Belgium face each other in St. Petersburg in an European qualifier from Group I. This is a clash between the two teams which are currently leading the group.

At this moment Russia are second in this group, but just three points behind the leader Belgium. This means that if Sbornaya manage to win with a certain result, they are going to overtake the Red Devils at the top of the group. In their first match in this group, Belgium achieved a 3-1 win at home. This means that a 2-0 result, for example, would allow Russia to top the group.

But it won’t be easy for Sbornaya. Right now Belgium are one of the best performing teams in Europe. In 8 games played in this group so far, the Red Devils have a perfect record of 8 wins. Their goal difference is more than impressive – 30 goals scored and just one goal conceded. That’s right – in 8 games played until now, the Belgian team have conceded only once – against Russia.

In the previous round of the qualifying campaign Belgium had a long trip to Kazakhstan, which they won with 2-0 at the Astana Arena. In Romelu Lukaku’s absence, Michy Batshuayi started for Roberto Martinez’ team and scored the first goal. Thomas Meunier added one more in the second half.

Just like Belgium, Russia are doing very good in the campaign so far. Sbornaya have 7 wins from 8 matches played and just one loss – the one against Belgium which we mentioned. The Russians are also performing very well in defense, conceding just four goals so far.

In the previous round Russia had a trip to Cyprus, which they won in the most dominant way – 5-0. Valencia’s Denis Cheryshev scored a brace for Sbornaya, while Magomed Ozdoev, Artem Dzyuba and Aleksandr Golovin also scored for the visitors

Belgium and Russia meet each other in one of the derbies of the week in the European qualifiers. Sbornaya have the home advantage here, but Belgium are better than ever.