'To be favourites or not doesn't matter': Belgium braced for Senegal challenge
Quick summary
Preview of a World Cup match between Belgium and Senegal, with Belgium expected as favourites but downplaying that status ahead of the challenge.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceRudi Garcia railed against criticism of his side, who face Senegal in the last 32 with a spring in their step after the 5-1 hammering of New Zealand
Belgium had just beaten New Zealand 5-1 to secure top spot in Group G and, at least in theory, an easier last-32 draw, but Rudi Garcia was evidently irked. In response to the first question in a curt post-match press conference, he adjusted the microphone to ensure his point was heard.
“I really didn’t appreciate them being called has beens ,” he said alluding to an article in La Libre, a French-language Belgian newspaper, that compared Kevin De Bruyne with a washed-up Hollywood actor after a flat display against Iran in their previous match in Los Angeles.
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What happened
The Guardian previews an upcoming World Cup fixture between Belgium and Senegal. Belgium enter as tournament favourites but Belgian camp is keen to stress that tag carries no weight on the pitch against a dangerous Senegalese side. The preview frames Senegal as a credible threat, noting their physicality, pace, and tournament pedigree. Belgium's squad depth and experience are weighed against Senegal's emerging talent as the key storyline heading into the match.
Chance analysis
World Cup group-stage previews between a European powerhouse and an African contender often produce cagey tactical battles, with the favoured side needing to break down a disciplined, athletic opponent. Belgium's tendency to underperform relative to expectations in recent tournaments (Euro 2020, 2022 World Cup) adds narrative weight. For prediction systems, Senegal's counter-attacking threat and set-piece danger typically neutralize Belgium's possession-based approach, making this a closer match than odds suggest.
Match preview only — no confirmed lineup, injury, or tactical change; sentiment slightly favors Belgium but preview flags Senegal as live underdog.
Don't over-weight Belgium's favourite tag — Senegal's tournament pedigree and counter-attacking profile make this a genuine upset candidate.