Preview: Finland vs Belgium
Finland vs
Belgium
In an intriguing UEFA Euro 2020 Group B clash, Finland hopes to secure a pivotal point against unbeaten Belgium, as both teams face off under the Russian night sky at the Krestovsky Stadium.
Finland
Finland lost to Russia by a lone goal on Wednesday the 16th during Match Day 2. Pohjanpalo saw his wild celebrations cut short after the VAR spotted him inches ahead of the Russian defense.
Having narrowly avoided going a goal down, the Russians kept a keen eye on the Union Berlin forward, thwarting his subsequent attempts. In stoppage time of the first half, Aleksey Miranchuk (45’+ET) put Russia ahead with what would become the only goal of the game, despite several clear-cut chances at both ends.
The loss leaves Finland with a form that reads: DLLLWL. The Eagle-owls have three points and are 3rd in Group B after recording 1 win, 0 draws, and 1 loss. They will be looking to pick up at least a point when they meet Belgium on the final day of the group stage.
Coach Markku Kanerva has adopted a 3—5—2 formation in the last two games against Russia and Denmark. It appears this formation will be seen again on Match Day 3, with the duo of Pohjanpalo and Norwich City’s Teemu Pukki, who is yet to score, leading the attack once again against the Belgians.
Belgium
Meanwhile, Belgium remains unbeaten in this tournament after securing a 2-1 victory over Denmark on Match Day 2. The Belgians faced intense pressure from the onset as Yussuf Poulsen of RB Leipzig scored for Denmark within the first two minutes. However, they demonstrated resilience in defense, weathering a consistent onslaught that often left their lines stretched.
The tide began to turn as the superior quality of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne emerged. Lukaku ignited an attack with a commanding run down the right flank, easily bypassing multiple defenders before setting up Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne then delivered a precise pass to Dortmund's Thorgan Hazard, who equalized in the 55th minute.
Just moments later, Lukaku's deft maneuvering left defenders in disarray, paving the way for another brilliantly orchestrated team goal, completed by De Bruyne in the 70th minute, sealing Belgium's comeback. As Belgium heads into Match Day 3, they remain unbeaten in six games, with a current streak of three consecutive wins: DWDWWW.
Under Roberto Martinez's guidance, known for employing a 3-4-3 formation, Belgium is expected to feature Romelu Lukaku prominently in attack. The Scudetto title winner has already netted two goals in this tournament and aims to increase his tally on Monday.
