World Cup 2022 Scores: Latest Results and Thursday's Schedule
Nov 23, 2022
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 23: Takuma Asano of Japan celebrates following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Germany and Japan at Khalifa International Stadium on November 23, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Another day at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, another upset by an Asian side over an established power.
Japan stole Wednesday's headlines by following the exact formula to beat Germany as Saudi Arabia used to down Argentina the day before.
The Samurai Blue went down one goal by way of a penalty, made some smart substitutions and tactical adjustments and scored two goals in the second half to pick up three points.
Japan's win shook up the complexion of Group E, which many people thought would be controlled by Spain and Germany.
Spain held up its end of the bargain with a comprehensive 7-0 thumping of Costa Rica. La Roja now have a commanding lead over Japan on goal differential going into a massive clash with Germany on Sunday.
Group F did not deliver on the attacking fireworks we had hoped to see. Morocco and Croatia played to a scoreless draw, and Belgium beat Canada 1-0.
Canada looked like it would add its name to the list of underdog winners in Qatar, but its marvelous first half fizzled out into a disappointing second half that allowed Belgium to end Wednesday on top of Group F.
Costa Rica rarely got the ball out of its own half, and now it sits in a terrible spot in the race to advance out of Group E.
A rebound performance does not appear to be in sight for Los Ticos given the quality within the Germany and Japan sides.
Japan flexed its quality and tactical adjustments in its 2-1 come-from-behind win over Germany. Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano scored the second-half goals that put the Samurai Blue in front.
The loss marked the second World Cup in a row in which Germany lost in its opening match. The Germans fell to Mexico at the start of their failed title defense in 2018.
Germany's Sunday showdown with Spain gained more importance after its loss and the seven-goal thrashing from Spain.
A second German loss combined with a win by Japan over Costa Rica could knock out the European side before the final matchday. Germany needs to get at least one point out of its match with Spain, because it is expected that Japan will dispatch of Costa Rica.
Group F
1. Belgium - 3 (1 GF, 0 GA, +1 GD)
2. Croatia - 1 (0 GF, 0 GA, 0 GD)
3. Morocco - 1 (0 GF, 0 GA, 0 GD)
4. Canada - 0 (0 GF, 1 GA, -1 GD)
Canada looked like it was going to add its name to the list of surprise winners in Qatar, but it could not capitalize on its opportunities.
Les Rouges were awarded an early penalty against Belgium. Alphonso Davies stepped to the spot, but he poorly struck the shot, which rolled to a diving Thibaut Courtois' right-hand side for a fairly comfortable save.
Canada could not apply the same pressure in the second half, and that led to Belgium being able to seal the match and the three points that came with it.
Morocco and Croatia opened the day with a scoreless draw inside Al Bayt Stadium.
Neither side produced many dangerous attacking chances. Morocco should view the result from a positive perspective more than Croatia because it was the underdog in the match.
The draw could also be viewed as a missed chance for the two sides because of how strong Belgium and Canada looked in their head-to-head clash.
Thursday Schedule
Group G: Switzerland vs. Cameroon (5 a.m. ET, FS1)
Group H: Uruguay vs. South Korea (8 a.m. ET, FS1)
Group H: Portugal vs. Ghana (11 a.m. ET, Fox)
Group G: Brazil vs. Serbia (2 p.m. ET, Fox)
Report: Belgium Told by FIFA to Remove Word 'Love' from Away Shirt at 2022 World Cup
Nov 21, 2022
Belgium's Eden Hazard wears the OneLove captain's armband for LGBTQ+ rights at a friendly soccer game of the Egyptian national soccer team against Belgian national soccer team the Red Devils, at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, in Ardiya, Kuwait, Friday 18 November 2022. The Red Devils are in Kuwait to prepare for the upcoming Fifa 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR (Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR / BELGA MAG / Belga via AFP) (Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
FIFA has instructed the Belgium men's national team to remove the world "love" from the collar of its away kit, according to Julien Laurens of ESPN, creating yet another controversy during Qatar's World Cup.
Per that report, "a source told ESPN that FIFA were not even open to negotiation and categorically refused to discuss the matter with the Belgian federation. At the moment, they have not decided whether they will accept the international federation's request."
FIFA have told Belgium to remove the word 'Love' from their away kit, which also includes rainbow trim.
Belgium say they will wear their red kit for all group-stage games and deal with the situation if they go through. pic.twitter.com/h0pEX0uwQt
The decision comes after England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands agreed to not wear OneLove anti-discrimination armbands during the World Cup. FIFA said the captains of the team would receive an automatic yellow card if they wore the armbands.
England, Wales, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, The Netherlands and Switzerland release a joint statement confirming they will not wear the OneLove armband because FIFA has āmade it very clear that it will impose sporting sanctions.ā pic.twitter.com/nOLxADhkL1
FIFA want their own armbands worn, and a sporting sanction for refusing to do this and promoting OneLove was always likely to force FAs to change their mind. But itās been poorly handled. England, for example, had no definitive idea on any punishment until this morning.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, though the country has said LGBTQ+ spectators would be welcomed at the World Cup.
The safety of those spectators was further called into question, however, when Qatari World Cup ambassador Khalid Salman made anti-gay comments to German broadcaster ZDF earlier in November.
"[Homosexuality] is haram. You know what haram [forbidden] means?" he said (h/t Sky Sports). "During the World Cup, many things will come here to the country. Let's talk about gays: The most important thing is everybody will accept that they come hereābut they will have to accept our rules."
Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, which is responsible for planning the 2022 men's World Cup, said in a statement leading up to the event, "Everyone is welcome in Qatar, but we are a conservative country and any public display of affection, regardless of orientation, is frowned upon. We simply ask for people to respect our culture."
The nation's human rights record has also been called into question ahead of the 2022 World Cup, with reports of inhumane treatment of the migrant workers who built the stadiums and potentially thousands of deaths among those workers, though Qatari officials have vehemently disputed those figures.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempted to defend Qatar's human rights record and its regressive laws surrounding homosexuality and women's rights in a speech for reporters ahead of the start of the World Cup.
"Today I feel Qatari. Today I feel Arab. Today I feel African. Today I feel gay. Today I feel disabled. Today I feel a migrant worker," he said as part of an hourlong speech that was widely criticized by human rights groups.
"We are taught many lessons from Europeans, from the Western world," he added. "What we Europeans have been doing for the last 3,000 years, we should be apologizing for the next 3,000 years before starting to give moral lessons."
World Cup 2022: FIFA Rankings for All Teams Heading Into Tournament
Nov 17, 2022
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 25: Kevin de Bruyne of Belgium during the UEFA Nations League A Group 4 match between Netherlands and Belgium at Johan Cruijff ArenA on September 25, 2022 in Amsterdam, Netherlands (Photo by Andre Weening/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
The majority of the top-ranked men's soccer teams in the world converge on Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Brazil enters the tournament as the No. 1 team in the FIFA World Rankings. Belgium, Argentina, France and England fill out the top five, respectively.
Not all of the top teams in the FIFA World Rankings landed a spot in the 32-team field because of how difficult it is to qualify out of Europe and South America.
Italy is the lone top-10 team not headed to Qatar, and a handful of other squads inside the top 25 will be watching from home.
There are six teams in the World Cup field that are ranked outside of the top 40, including host nation Qatar (50). While it's likely those countries will struggle in the group stage, there is always a chance one of them springs an upset or two.
FIFA World Rankings of World Cup Teams
Group A
Netherlands (8)
Senegal (18)
Ecuador (44)
Qatar (50)
Group B
England (5)
United States (16)
Wales (19)
Iran (20)
Group C
Argentina (3)
Mexico (13)
Poland (26)
Saudi Arabia (51)
Group D
France (4)
Denmark (10)
Tunisia (30)
Australia (38)
Group E
Spain (7)
Germany (11)
Japan (24)
Costa Rica (31)
Group F
Belgium (2)
Croatia (12)
Morocco (22)
Canada (41)
Group G
Brazil (1)
Switzerland (15)
Serbia (21)
Cameroon (43)
Group H
Portugal (9)
Uruguay (14)
South Korea (28)
Ghana (61)
Brazil rose to the top spot in the FIFA Men's World Rankings behind a dominant World Cup qualifying campaign in South America.
Neymar and Co. cruised to first place in CONMEBOL with 45 points from 17 games. Argentina was the closest team to Brazil with 39 points while Uruguay was third with 29.
Brazil extended its strong run of form into its World Cup warmup games. It won four friendly matches by a combined score of 14-2. All of those contests came against World Cup qualifiers.
Belgium enters Qatar as the highest-ranked European side at No. 2. The Red Devils were semifinalists four years ago in Russia, and they controlled one of the tougher European qualification groups with Wales and the Czech Republic.
Belgium's last six matches before the World Cup came in the UEFA Nations League. It had three wins, one draw and two losses, with both defeats coming against the Netherlands.
The rest of the usual world powers of men's soccer fill out the rankings beneath Brazil and Belgium.
Spain, France, Germany, Argentina, England, Netherlands and Denmark have all been fixtures on the world stage for a long time. Italy is the only top-10 power that will miss out on the tournament. The Azzurri finished second to Switzerland in group play and then lost in the playoff round to North Macedonia. Portugal then beat North Macedonia to get to the World Cup.
The United States men's national team comes into Qatar with the No. 16 world ranking. The team's stock dropped a bit in September after disappointing performances against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The USMNT is the second-best North American team in the rankings behind Mexico. Both teams have tough challenges in the group stage against England and Argentina.
Canada is one of six teams outside the top 40 in the World Rankings taking part in the World Cup. Two of those teams find themselves in Group A.
On paper, Group A featuring the Netherlands, Ecuador, Senegal and Qatar is the weakest, while Group B, the USMNT's group, appears to be the toughest with four top 20 teams.
Kevin De Bruyne's Brace Helps Belgium Hammer Cyprus in Euro 2020 Qualifying
Nov 19, 2019
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne (2ndR) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualification football match between Belgium and Cyprus at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels on November 19, 2019. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP) (Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)
Belgium made it 10 wins from 10 UEFA 2020 European Championship qualifying games on Tuesday, as they coasted to a 6-1 victory over Cyprus.
Nicholas Ioannou gave the visitors a shock lead at King Baudouin Stadium, although it was quickly cancelled out by Christian Benteke.
Belgium took control from that point on, with Kevin De Bruyne's brace extending the home side's lead, before Yannick Carrasco made it 4-1 at half time.
The visitors were the architects of their own downfall after the break, asĀ Kypros Christoforou turned into his own net. Benteke added further gloss to the scoreline with his second of the day, before Belgium took their foot off the gas late on.
Given they have long secured their qualification for the tournament next summer, it was no shock to see Belgium boss Roberto Martinez make some changes for the fixture. Early on, some complacency crept into their game.
Ioannou was able to capitalise with a memorable moment for the visitors, as he produced a cool finish to earn a surprise lead. Sadly for him, the opening goal seemed to angered the Red Devils.
After 16 minutes the game was level, with Benteke on hand to capitalise on good work from Carrasco. Per Football Accumulators, the forward is currently enjoying a more prosperous time with his country than for his club:
Christian Benteke has scored more goals in his last three games for Belgium than in the last two seasons for Crystal Palace in Premier League. pic.twitter.com/Jt8DUzAitO
Belgium then took the game away from Cyprus with a devastating eight-minute spell, as their plethora of attacking talent started to thrive.
The first of De Bruyne's goals should have been stopped by the Cyprus 'keeper in the 36th minute, although there was nothing to be done about the second a couple of minutes later, as the Manchester City man finished emphatically after being teed up by Carrasco.
Surprisingly, it was the first time De Bruyne had netted more than one goal in a game for a long time:
ā½ļøā½ļø Kevin De Bruyne has scored 2+ goals in a game for the 1st time in 2ā£0ā£7ā£ apps for club & country, since in Man City's 4-1 League Cup QF win v Hull in Dec 2015 pic.twitter.com/1Ov0O4G8TV
Having set up two goals in the first half, Carrasco eventually got on the scoresheet himself, heading in Eden Hazard's perfect cross a minute before the break.
For Cyprus, a difficult second half was in store and they didn't help themselves soon after the break. Christoforou tried to cut out a cross and could only turn the ball beyond his own goalkeeper in the process.
At this point, it was a feeding frenzy for the Belgian attackers and Benteke was understandably keen to add to his tally after a recent lean spell.Ā
The Crystal Palace striker turned in De Bruyne's cross after 68 minutes, with Kristof Terreur noting the duo's previous connection from their time together at Genk:
De Bruyne on Benteke: "He knew perfectly where I was and what I would do. We just clicked.ā
In the latter stages of the game, Martinez withdrew Hazard and De Bruyne, and the intensity of Belgium's play subsided.
While beating modest opposition like Cyprus doesn't represent a statement in its own right for the Red Devils, the consistency they've shown throughout this qualifying campaign further cements their status as a force to be reckoned with next summer.
What's Next?
Belgium will find out who they will face at next summer's European Championship on Saturday, November 30.
Russia vs. Belgium: Euro 2020 Qualifying Odds, Live Stream, TV Info
Nov 15, 2019
BRUSSEL, BELGIUM - MARCH 21: (L-R) Eden Hazard of Belgium, Kirill Nababkin of Russia during the EURO Qualifier match between Belgium v Russia at the Koning Boudewijn Stadium on March 21, 2019 in Brussel Belgium (Photo by Cees van Hoogdalem/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Belgium and Russia will play their penultimate UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier in Group I on Saturday, with the Red Devils on course to complete a perfect run in qualifying.
Caesars has handed the visitors -110 odds to maintain their perfect run, while a Russian win sports odds of +275. A draw comes in at +285.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. GMT/12 p.m. ET. UK-based fans can tune in via Sky Go, while American fans can watch via ESPN3.
Ā Ā
Belgium and Russia have already met once during this qualifying campaign, which was a 3-1 win for the hosts in Brussels:
Denis Cheryshev's goal remains the only one the Belgians have conceded so far in qualifying. Russia have won all of their matches since, and both teams have already qualified for Euro 2020.
With little at stake in terms of group position, both teams have opted to call up several youngsters and fringe players. For Belgium, the most surprising inclusion in the squad is Elias Cobbaut, who could earn his first cap. He earned his spot by impressing for Belgium's youth teams:
š£ļø R. Martinez: "@eliascobbaut had a good transition with @JohanWalem at the Under-21's. The #U21EURO last season was a key moment for him. In his club he shows that he is growing all the timeā #EURO2020#COMEONBELGIUM š§šŖ
Anderlecht team-mate Hendrik Van Crombrugge could also earn his first cap, and there was room in the squad for Yari Verschaeren, Leandro Trossard, Hans Vanaken and Maxime Lestienne.
For Russia, Rifat Zhemaletdinov and Zelimkhan Bakaev are two major talents for the future, and both could feature against the Red Devils. The hosts have opted against calling up the likes of Anton Miranchuk and Cheryshev, and are expected to do plenty of experimenting against Belgium and San Marino, their next opponents.
While the Red Devils are still chasing a perfect record, Russia can already shift their focus to next year's tournament. The team have built on their successful 2018 World Cup where they the reached the quarter-finals and have had an influx of talent since, with Ilzat Akhmetov the standout after making his debut in March.
A strong result at home against the top-ranked team in the world could provide the team with a major boost, but getting the next generation of potential stars up to speed is just as important.
Prediction: Russia 1-2 Belgium
Michy Batshuayi Scores in Belgium's UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying Win vs. Kazakhstan
Oct 13, 2019
Belgium's Michy Batshuayi celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Euro 2020 group I qualifying soccer match between Kazakhstan and Belgium at the Astana Arena stadium in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019. (AP Photo)
Belgium continued their perfect UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying campaign away to Kazakhstan on Sunday, winning 2-0.Ā
Michy Batshuayi opened the scoring after 21 minutes, and Thomas Meunier doubled the lead early in the second half.
The Red Devils had already qualified for the tournament with a win over San Marino. Kazakhstan trail second-placed Russia by 11 points with two matches left on their schedule in Group I.
Per the team's official Twitter account, the run of eight straight wins is a new record for Belgium:
With their Euro 2020 tickets already booked, Belgium opted to play some of their fringe players against Kazakhstan, giving a full debut to Dennis Praet and inserting Batshuayi and Thomas Vermaelen into the starting XI.
The revised lineup and rain-soaked artificial pitch contributed to a sloppy first half that saw few chances and several altercations. Batshuayi, in particular, was involved in multiple incidents, getting booked after 11 minutes.
He also opened the scoring after 21 minutes, tapping the ball home from close range after a great pass from Praet. The Chelsea man was lucky not to receive a second booking for a bad foul shortly before half-time.
Kazakhstan didn't threaten much in the first half, apart from a wild shot from Sergiy Maliy that was always rising beyond the goal.
Sports writer Owen Jones was not impressed with the quality of play:
The Red Devils needed a second goal after the break to feel a little safer and found it early, with Eden Hazard picking out Meunier with a phenomenal long ball. The Paris Saint-Germain full-back took a simple first touch before blasting the ball beyond goalkeeper Dmytro Nepohodov.
The second goal settled Belgium's nerves a bit, and both Thorgan Hazard and Dries Mertens narrowly missed chances to add to the lead shortly after.
Belgium continued to push the pace, but the aim of both Hazard and Batshuayi was off after impressive passing moves. Aibol Abiken tried his luck from distance but fired high, and Bauyrzhan Islamkhan couldn't beat Thibaut Courtois with a free-kick.
The Red Devils' win streak never came under threat in Kazakhstan, with the hosts seemingly more focused on battling the visitors than scoring late. Both Abiken and Abzal Beysebekov ran into bookings for bad fouls before the final whistle blew.
Ā Ā
What's Next?
The final international break of the year takes place in November. Belgium will close out their qualifying campaign against Russia and Cyprus, while Kazakhstan face San Marino and Scotland.
Belgium Secure Euro 2020 Place After 9-0 San Marino Rout, Romelu Lukaku Brace
Oct 10, 2019
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - JUNE 11: Romelu Lukaku of Belgium celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2020 UEFA European Championships group I qualifying match between Belgium and Scotland at King Baudouin Stadium on June 11, 2019 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Frank Abbeloos/Isosport/MB Media/Getty Images)
Romelu Lukaku scored a first-half brace as Belgium obliterated San Marino 9-0 and secured their place at UEFA Euro 2020 in winning a seventh match from seven in Group I qualifying.
Lukaku's goals were his 50th and 51st for the Red Devils, who have guaranteed they'll finish among the top two in their pool with three games to spare:
Nacer Chadli, Toby Alderweireld and Youri Tielemans each scoredāalong with a San Marino own goalāto establish a 6-0 lead in favour of the hosts at half-time.Ā
Christian Benteke came off the bench to score his first international goal in two-and-a-half years. Youngster YuriĀ Verschaeren also came off the bench, winning and converting a penalty for his maiden international goal, before Timothy Castagne completed the rout.
The visitors remain bottom of Group I and have yet to clinch a point in qualifyingāor score a goalāafter seven matches.
Group I contenders Russia remain three points behind Belgium in second place after they defeated Scotland 4-0.
Lukaku had the best share of scoring chances early on, bundling a headed opportunity over the crossbar.
But the Inter Milan striker got his reward after 28 minutes and put Belgium ahead, firing low and inside Simone Benedettini's near post after Tielemans' pass slipped him in down the right, via Sky Sports (UK only):
Romelu Lukaku has scored his 5ā£0ā£th goal for Belgium
Sky Sports Statto noted the 26-year-old being the first Belgian to reach the milestone, not to mention the rate at which his scoring has increased as he's gained international experience:
ā½ļø š§šŖ Romelu Lukaku is the 1st player to score 50 goals for Belgium 23 goals in 1st 60 caps 27 goals in last 23 caps pic.twitter.com/g1rSU7GcfR
Anderlecht winger Chadli hit San Marino while they still looked stunned by the breakthrough, with Lukaku this time teeing him up for a sweetly struck curler from the edge of the box.
Any chance of a comeback appeared to fade after Cristian Brolli's own goal to make it 3-0, again hitting the guests not long after they'd conceded.Ā
Eden Hazard assisted Lukaku's second, skipping a pass inside from the left before Inter's frontman swung a hopeful effort inside the far post via a fortunate deflection off Davide Simoncini.
Alderweireld also benefited from a deflection and made it 5-0 after his speculative long-range attempt bounced off Andrea Grandoni and skidded in.
Not content with a five-goal cushion at the halfway mark, Hazard bombarded down the right flank before cutting back for Tielemans to flash a superb finish inside the far post (UK only):
Dries Mertens almost threaded Lukaku through for a hat-trick strike early in the second period, with the Red Devils looking at ease in what appeared little more than a training exercise for the hosts.
Mertens almost found Belgium's seventh, thwacking the post with a cross-goal effort before Lukaku was denied at close range from the ensuing corner. The former made way for 18-year-old Verschaerenāmaking just his second international appearanceāsoon after.
San Marino gave a far sturdier account of themselves in the second half, albeit welcoming a torrent of Belgian pressure inside their own half.Ā
They kept the second period goalless for 34 minutes, but Crystal Palace striker Benteke eventually broke down the barriers once more with a slick long-range effort of his own.Ā
Verschaeren opened his international account from 12 yards after theĀ Anderlecht midfielder was brought down in the box by Brolli. He then played a crucial role crossing in for Castagne's sealing strike.
Belgian football writer John Chapman picked out his highlights from the match, which included super-substitutes Benteke andĀ Verschaeren:
The whole squad wanted double figures but it ends 9-0. Euro qualification. Good for Martinez and tonight for Chadli, Vanaken, Verschaeren, Lukaku and Benteke. #BELSMR
The hosts had almost 80 per cent of possession on the night andĀ failed to concede a shot on targetĀ in the 90 minutes, perĀ FlashScore.com.
Belgium have the prestigious honour of becoming the first UEFA nation to qualify for Euro 2020, taking a great burden off manager Roberto Martinez entering the final phases of their group campaign.
Ā Ā Ā Ā
What's Next?
Belgium travel on Sunday to face Kazakhstan, who can no longer qualifyĀ finish among the top two in Group I following Russia's win over Scotland. San Marino are again on the road in their next fixture and face Scotland at Hampden Park in Glasgow.
Belgium's Roberto Martinez Praises Eden Hazard and Says 'He's Not Fat'
Oct 10, 2019
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 05: Eden Hazard of FC Real Madrid gestures during the Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Granada CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 5, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Belgium managerĀ Roberto Martinez has said Eden Hazard is "not fat" after accusations about the winger's fitness in his early days as a Real Madrid player.
Hazard has not enjoyed the best start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu, enduring an injury and taking six appearances to get off the mark in a Real shirt.
Ahead of Belgium's UEFA Euro 2020 fixtures againstĀ San MarinoĀ andĀ Kazakhstan, though, Martinez has heaped praise on the former Chelsea star, perĀ Marca:
"I'm happy to see Eden with the group.Ā He's smiling. He's a world-class player, who is unique, talented.Ā He is also very professional and, although he has already won trophies [in his career], he is reaching the highest point of his career.Ā He takes great care of himself and, in my eyes, he's not fat."
Hazard, 28,Ā joinedĀ Real back in July for Ā£88.5 million.
InitialĀ reportsĀ indicated he arrived for the club'sĀ pre-season tour seven kilograms overweight.
A hamstring injury then ruled him out of Real's first three La Liga games of the season, and when he returned, he initially made little impact.Ā
However, he finally got his first competitive goal for LosĀ BlancosĀ in their 4-2 win over Granada on Saturday, and he also registered his first La Liga assist:
Goal no1 for Hazard. Granada give it away and the lifted ball through is poked over and in for a lovely finish. He needed it. 2-0, 45.
Real managerĀ ZinedineĀ ZidaneĀ will hope that he can kick on from that match and make the kind of contribution for Real that he did for Chelsea last season:
Eden Hazard for Chelsea in the 2018/2019 Premier League:
most successful take-ons (137) most chances created (98) most shots taken (93) most assists (16) most goals (15)
Despite mixed performances, Real are top of La Liga after eight games of the new season.
If Hazard can find his best form, he will be a huge asset in Real's bid to win just their third title in 12 seasons.
At his best, the former Lille star can cause havoc in opposition defences, although Martinez recentlyĀ saidĀ he can be effective "whetherĀ he's carrying weight or not."
Hazard was signed to fill the space left by Cristiano Ronaldo, and if he can even produce half the output the Portuguese did in his nine seasons in Madrid, Real will consider his hefty transfer fee money well spent.Ā Ā
Belgium vs. San Marino: Euro 2020 Qualifying Odds, Live Stream, TV Info
Oct 9, 2019
Belgium's Eden Hazard, left, is tackled by France's Paul Pogba during the semifinal match between France and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. (AP Photo/David Vincent)
Belgium play host to San Marino on Thursday in Group I of theĀ 2020 UEFA European Championship qualifying campaign.
The Red Devils will expect to score plenty of goals at the King Baudouin StadiumĀ in Brussels, and a victory will effectively seal their path to the finals.
The hosts top the group with a perfect record from their six games, and San Marino have conceded 28 goals without scoring in their six matches.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 8:45 p.m. local, 7:45 p.m. BST, 2:45 p.m. ET
Odds: Belgium 1-100, San Marino 150-1, draw 55-1Ā (perĀ Oddschecker)
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
Preview
The contrast between nations will be evident when one of the Euro 2020 favourites welcome one of Europe's minnows.
There are 210 nations in FIFA's world rankings, and Thursday's qualifier pits No. 1 against No. 210.
San Marino have always resided near the bottom of the rankings and have won only one game in their historyāa 1-0 defeat of Liechtenstein in a 2004 friendly. Fifteen years without a victory makesĀ La Serenissima one of the worst teams in history.
The Belgians have been irresistible in Group I, and Roberto Martinez's team have now gone 18 games without defeat at home. It would be a major shock if the undefeated run is not extended on Thursday.
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku will expect to have a field day against San Marino, and Martinez indicated the former Manchester United player is much happier after leaving Old Trafford for Inter Milan.
The hosts will be without the injured Kevin De Bruyne, but skipper Eden Hazard will link up with Lukaku after scoring his first competitive goal in a Real Madrid shirt since his summer transfer from Chelsea.
Hazard missed September's 4-0 victory in San Marino, but he is expected to feature on Thursday alongside Los Blancos team-mateĀ Thibaut Courtois.
The Madrid No. 1 has endured a difficult start to life in the Spanish capital after returning to La Liga 12 months ago.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - MARCH 21: Timothy Castagne of Belgium, Eden Hazard of Belgium and Thibaut Courtois of Belgium celebrate after winning the 2020 UEFA European Championships group I qualifying match between Belgium and Russia at King Baudouin Stadium on
However, Martinez is convinced the pair will eventually hit their best form, perĀ Reuters:
"When you play at the best clubs in the world, there will be periods of difficulty. For sure Thibaut and Eden can overcome these difficulties, they are ready for the challenge. This international break can be a positive for them and they can return to their club fresher and stronger."
San Marino will offer little resistance on the road, and Belgium's ruthlessness will likely see them rack up a huge score.
The Red Devils have scored 19 goals in Group I, conceding just once, and their attention will already be on winning next summer's Euro 2020 final.
