World Cup
2012-09-07 - Wales vs Belgium
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : Internationals : World Cup Qualification
Friday 7th September - Kickoff 7:45pm
Wales
This side has only once qualified for a major tournament, the 1958 World Cup. Coleman has the unenviable task of breaking this 54 year run and Friday's first game against Belgium isn't an easy one.
At the Millennium Stadium Wales will be a force but their recent home results are not inspiring. Wales have lost the last 3 homes games to Cost Rica (0-1), Mexico (0-2) and Bosnia (0-2) which is a little worrying. The only consolation is all were friendlies so not a great deal was on the line.
When qualifying for the Euros, Wales lost their first 2 home games against England (0-2) and Bulgaria (0-1). However, there were wins against Montenegro (2-1) and Switzerland (2-0) in the last 2 games so there is some momentum there.
There are a few injury concerns here with Taylor, Bellamy, Collison, Ledley and Vaughan all missing. But the key trio Bale, Ramsey and Allen are all fit and available.
An interesting stat is that under Coleman, Wales have yet to win nor score a goal since he replaced Speed in January.
Belgium
Wilmots has a promising, young squad at his disposal and many are tipping them to go well in this qualification group. Belgium haven't featured at a major tournament since Euro 2000 which was only because they were joint hosts. However, this side is a very talented one and should be there or there abouts come the end of the qualification stage.
The players I'm talking about above are Hazard, Lukaku, Witsel, De Bruyne, Demebele,Fellaini, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Van Buyten, Kompany and Courtois. With Van Buyten aside all are young and all are players with great potential that when they click will be sensational.
This side hasn't the greatest away record in qualification games. In the Euro campaign they won 2 of their 5 games at Kazakhstan and Austria both by a 2-0 scoreline. In the other 3 games Germany (3-1) and Turkey (3-2) were tough defeats but both are very good at home. However, drawing 1-1 to Azerbaijan was terrible and they can't afford slip ups like this in this qualification process.
A little worrying for Belgium backers is that with friendlies included they haven't won away for 6 games. The last win was at Austria in March 2011 so whilst this side looks great on paper they need to start getting it done.
Betting Verdict
Wales appear to be declining under Coleman. He isn't having the same impact as the late Speed did and his side have yet to score under him. Belgium on paper look great but away from home have struggled but with Wales a player to 2 short I fancy them to finally get that elusive away win.
At odds against I make Belgium a value punt here and can't see how Wales can stop them for 90 minutes. The backline is full of Premiership players who know the Welsh strikers and can matchup well against them.
Going forward Hazard is exceptional whilst Dembele and Fellaini may get extra space because of the formers double marking attention. Given the record under Coleman and so many players being English based in the away side I'm happy to take Wilmots's side here. Away win.
Good Luck
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Wales 1-2 Belgium
BEST BETTING TIP :
I think that Belgium will edge this match with a narrow victory.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Belgium -0.5 AH at 2.01 with 188Bet
(EDITOR NOTE : This is the same bet as taking Belgium to win - but is paying slightly higher at the moment as the handicap betting patterns have been more even so far - market forces eh?)
(EDITOR NOTE : This is the same bet as taking Belgium to win - but is paying slightly higher at the moment as the handicap betting patterns have been more even so far - market forces eh?)
