Belgium (1 win, 0 losses, 0 draws) takes on Morocco (0-0-1) Sunday in a Group F group stage match with kickoff from Al Thumama Stadium set for 8 a.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Belgium vs. Morocco odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
One of the favorites coming into the tournament, Belgium, the No. 2 team in FIFA’s world rankings, did not look as good as predicted in their opener against Canada. They won 1-0, but were outshot 22-9.
M Kevin de Bruyne, who plays for Manchester City, is among the best playmakers in the entire tournament. Belgium did have 54% possession, so expect them to control most of this game.
Morocco, the No. 22 team in FIFA’s rankings, drew Croatia. It wasn’t the most action-packed event as the 2 sides combined for 13 shot and 4 just on target in the 0-0 draw.
PSG D Achraf Hakimi is the most notable player for the Moroccan side. He is among the most talented defensive backs in the world. Expect his leadership to help Morocco in this battle.
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Belgium vs. Morocco odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Belgium -103 (bet $103 to win $100) | Morocco +320 (bet $100 to win $320) | Draw +240
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +130 | U: -150)
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Prediction
Belgium 1, Morocco 0
Moneyline (ML)
LEAN BELGIUM (-103).
Belgium didn’t look comfortable against Canada, but the Canadian team may be better than most realize.
The attacking prowess with F Eden Hazard and F Dries Mertens is still capable of producing for Belgium. GK Thibaut Courtois is also arguably the best in the world at his position, stopping a penalty kick to hold a clean sheet in their opener, which makes getting scored on much more difficult.
Given the Morocco attack didn’t produce much against Croatia with just 2 shots on goal, I would expect them to be held scoreless here.
The strength for Morocco is in their backline, but Belgium has the capable pieces to break through despite a poor showing in their 1st game. If anything, that might have just aided the odds for what should easily be the best team in the group.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET UNDER 2.5 (-130).
Most of this should be self-explanatory. Morocco didn’t score and had only 2 shots on target while Belgium had 1 breakthrough, but was held defending most of the game as Canada looked like a much stronger side.
Morocco does have F Hakim Ziyech, who plays for Chelsea, but he hasn’t scored in 152 minutes so far this season and had just 4 goals in 23 games played last season.
With Hakami in the back for Morocco, wingers Hazard and Mertins should struggle to produce for most of the game. I expect them to break through at least once, but certainly not on a regular occasion.
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