5 key battles that will decide Spain vs Belgium

For the first time in the 21st century, Spain and Belgium are set to face each other in the FIFA World Cup. Both teams qualified for the quarter-final after impressive displays in the previous round, with La Roja eliminating Portugal and the Red Devils overcoming hosts USA.

Luis de la Fuente’s side were considered as favourites for the tournament before it even began, while Belgium were a bit of an unknown quantity. In recent years, the Red Devils have hardly been at the level they used to be, and no one knew exactly what to expect from them this summer.

Both sides have progressed past the opposition they have faced to set up a rematch of the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final, which Spain lost. This time, they have not conceded a single goal and have won all their games so far, and have lived up to their pre-tournament billing as favourites.

With confidence riding high in both camps ahead of this quarter-final, here are five key battles that will decide the encounter:

5 key battles that will decide Spain vs Belgium FIFA World Cup clash

#5 Marc Cucurella vs Dodi Lukebakio

Marc Cucurella has been one of Spain’s attacking weapons this summer despite starting at left-back. The Real Madrid man gets forward very well, making runs to stretch the opposition backline without the ball at his feet.

Belgium winger Dodi Lukebakio will need to support his right-back to keep tabs on Cucurella’s movement and deny him the freedom of entering into the final third unchecked. The Benfica man must also provide enough of a threat down the other side to keep the defender busy and pin him back.

#4 Leandro Trossard vs Pedro Porro

North London rivals at club level, Leandro Trossard and Pedro Porro are very familiar with one another. Spanish right-back Porro will face the Arsenal man, who has been very influential for his country at the FIFA World Cup so far.

Trossard doesn’t play like a regular winger that holds the width on the pitch, as he likes to come inside and get shots off. Porro will need to be focused defensively to limit the influence of the Belgium star, as he will not likely receive much help defensively from his own winger on the right.

#3 Romelu Lukaku vs Pau Cubarsi/Aymeric Laporte

Romelu Lukaku is unlikely to start for Belgium in this FIFA World Cup quarter-final, but Spain coach Luis de la Fuente would still have him on his mind. The Napoli striker has been a menace when called upon from the bench throughout the tournament, and La Roja will do well to be wary.

Lukaku will test the partnership of Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte with his sheer strength and pace, as well as his clever movement in the final third. With three goals and an assist to his name so far, they will do well to conserve their energy until he gets on the pitch.

#2 Lamine Yamal vs Maxim De Cuyper

Lamine Yamal has yet to find his best level at the FIFA World Cup this summer, but it only takes a game for special players to switch things up. The 18-year-old will come up against Maxim De Cuyper in this match, and will be licking his lips at the prospect.

De Cuyper is an adventurous full-back who likes to get forward, and this could leave Yamal with room to operate. He will need to be smart in his movement, the left-back, or he could give the Spain man enough room to cause significant damage.

#1 Rodri vs Youri Tielemans

Another all-Premier League contest will take place in the middle of the park between the captains of Spain and Belgium. Rodri and Youri Tielemans will do battle to gain supremacy in midfield, a department in which the Red Devils overcame USA in the previous round.

Rodri plays a more defensive role than Tielemans, who is tasked with playing closer to the final third to chip in with goals and assists. This puts them on course for a direct confrontation on the pitch, making for a tantalizing clash in this FIFA World Cup game.