Belgium meet Senegal in Seattle with a World Cup last-16 place on the line

The World Cup’s round of 32 throws together two sides who have never met at senior level when Belgium take on Senegal at Lumen Field in Seattle on Wednesday, July 1. Belgium arrive as group winners and Senegal as one of the eight best third-placed teams, but the prize is identical for both: a place in the last 16.

Belgium topped the group without hitting top gear

Belgium won Group G, though they took their time about it. Two opening draws left doubts over whether they could shift through the gears, and it was not until a 5-1 win over New Zealand in the final round that they finally looked the part. Leandro Trossard scored twice in that game, the kind of display that hints at what this side can do when it clicks rather than what it has actually delivered across the group stage.

Senegal took the hard road but kept scoring

Senegal’s route was bumpier. Drawn in a demanding Group I, they lost 3-1 to France and then 3-2 to Norway, results that left them needing a statement in their final match. They produced it, thrashing Iraq 5-0 to climb to third on three points and squeeze through as one of the best third-placed sides. For all those early defeats, they scored eight goals across the group, more than Belgium managed, which tells you the Lions of Teranga carry a threat going forward even when the scoreline is against them.

A first meeting with a knockout place at stake

There is recent history that flatters Senegal here too. Four years ago in Qatar, Belgium’s heralded golden generation went out in the group stage while Senegal came through their group and reached the last 16. The names have changed since, but the reminder lands: Belgium’s reputation has not always survived contact with a World Cup knockout.

This is the first time the two have faced each other at senior level, which adds a layer of the unknown to a tie that already looks awkward for the group winners. Belgium will start as favourites on paper, but a Senegal side that has shown it can pile up goals is exactly the sort of opponent a team still hunting for its rhythm would rather avoid. Carry the New Zealand performance into the knockouts and Belgium have the quality to go through. Slip back into the caution of those opening draws and Senegal have enough to punish them.

Kick-off in Seattle is at 1:30am IST on Thursday, with the winner into the last 16 and the loser on the way home.

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