Finland vs Belgium Odds & Prediction – Euro 2020 Group B June 21st
- The last round of Group B Euro 2020 fixtures take place on Monday June, 21st
- Finland and Belgium matchup in St Petersburg with the Red Devils heavily favored
- Read below for the latest odds, betting preview and pick
Finland haven’t lost to Belgium since 1968. Heading into matchday three of Euro 2020, though, the Finns are massive underdogs against the Red Devils, who rank among the tournament favorites. Finland needs something from this game if they are to progress to the knockout rounds. A disappointing loss to Russia leaves them third ahead of the last round of fixtures.
Belgium are already through thanks to a spectacular second half performance against Denmark. Their struggles in the last 45 of that match will give Finland some hope ahead of this meeting in St Petersburg, but there’s a massive talent disparity.
Finland vs Belgium Odds
| Matchup | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finland vs Belgium | FIN +1.5 (-118) | BEL -1.5 (-103) | FIN +800 | BEL -320 | DRAW +390 | Ov 2.5 (-107) | Un 2.5 (-113) |
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Martinez Makes Changes
With two wins from two, Belgium have cemented their place in the last 16. Roberto Martinez has hinted that he will make wholesale changes for this match with the aim of keeping everyone fresh and improving the match fitness of recovering trio Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel. The veteran triumvirate came off the bench and turned the game against Denmark. De Bruyne, in particular, was at his sensational best.
🎙 | Kevin De Bruyne: “Eden Hazard is amazing. He had problems with injuries but in the national team I have seen him grow from the first game. Against Denmark, I found him very well and I am sure that he will play an important role in the future.” pic.twitter.com/x80k4SkwQG
— Hazard Xtra. (@HazardXtra) June 19, 2021
Michy Batshuayi is expected to start up front, with Thorgan Hazard likely to be given the night off. The younger of the Hazard brothers is one yellow from a suspension, which would rule him out of the next round.
Given the way Martinez is looking to work key players back from injury, rotating the team doesn’t necessarily mean the Belgians will be weaker. They played their best football against Denmark with De Bruyne, Witsel and Hazard on the pitch. A Belgian second XI would still be considerably stronger on paper than the Finnish lineup.
Finland Favor the Left
Over half of Finland’s attacks have come down the left flank so far in the Euros. Jere Uronen has been a key attacking outlet, putting in 1.5 crosses per game. With Daniel O’Shaughnessy playing on the left of the back three, he and Uronen could prove a problem for the Belgians, particularly with Thomas Meunier likely to sit out. Nacer Chadli’s defensive discipline will be tested.
🎙 | Roberto Martinez: “There will be changes against Finland because we have to keep up with all the players. Vermaelen will play and De Bruyne, Hazard, Witsel will start because we owe them a start before going further in the tournament.” pic.twitter.com/sXpaTZPNmt
— Hazard Xtra. (@HazardXtra) June 18, 2021
Toby Alderweireld has been on the right of Belgium’s back three, and he’s already been troubled at times in this tournament. The Tottenham defender is vulnerable when left to defend large amounts of space. Only Spain average more possessions than the Red Devils over the first two matches. Martinez’s team will dominate the ball, which should leave room for Uronen to attack in transition.
This issue could become a bigger problem for Belgium if Hazard starts on the right of the front three. The former Chelsea star is unlikely to provide much protection for his wing-back.
They're wearing it 😍#FIN pic.twitter.com/bFin611f7v
— Classic Football Shirts (@classicshirts) June 16, 2021
Belgium give up chances. Finland only have two shots on target in the tournament so far, but Joel Pohjanpalo and Teemu Pukki are bound to get a good look or two throughout the 90 minutes. Finland to score over 0.5 goals represents decent value at +120.
Finland vs Belgium Statistics
| DLLLWL | Form | DWDWWW |
| 1 | Goals scored in Euro 2020 | 5 |
| 40.5% | Average possession | 57.5% |
| 4 yellows, 0 reds | Cards | 1 yellow, 0 reds |
| 6 | Shots per match | 7.5 |
| 75% | Shots inside the area | 53% |
Belgium To Dominate
Finland have been industrious throughout their first two matches, and made life difficult for Russia. Belgium are an altogether more daunting challenge, however, even if Martinez gives Romelu Lukaku and other key players the night off.
De Bruyne put in a scintillating display to see off Denmark. Following that performance, it’s hard to see how the Finns contain Belgium. The Red Devils are going to have fresh legs on the pitch, and they have the squad depth to be a phenomenal attacking team despite leaving out Lukaku and Dries Mertens.
Bringing KDB on at half-time was Roberto Martinez leaning forward on the couch and going "Aight, I'm gonna start trying now"
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) June 17, 2021
Finland may well nick a goal on the break at some point. This should still be an easy Belgium win. It might have been a low-scoring tournament generally, but Belgium could score a few on Monday.
Pick: Belgium to win both halves (+205)
Sam Cox is a freelance writer and sports junkie, who has spent the past several years immersed in the online gaming industry. He has worked with 888sport, Oddschecker, and Colossus Bets to name a few. Based in the UK, Sam also runs Franchise Sports with his brother.
