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| Belgium is still considered slightly better than Senegal. Photo: FIFA |
One of the core reasons Belgium remains stuck in "second tier" is the lack of a sufficiently prestigious and competitive domestic league compared to its neighboring countries.
Heading into the 2026 World Cup, the Belgian team still boasted a star-studded lineup including goalkeeper Courtois, midfielders De Bruyne and Trossard, and winger Doku. However, they displayed an unconvincing performance in the group stage, drawing with both Iran and Egypt. It wasn't until the final matchday, with a resounding 5-1 victory over New Zealand, that Belgium officially secured their place in the knockout round.
Belgium's current playing style is almost entirely dependent on Kevin De Bruyne . The Napoli midfielder, despite his age, still demonstrates the mind of a genius playmaker; his through passes are still incredibly accurate.
In a disorganized team, De Bruyne was isolated like a "lonely star" as his attacking partners like Lukaku and Doku consistently missed opportunities and lacked sharpness in crucial finishing.
Belgium's opponent in the round of 32 is Senegal – one of the most distinctive representatives of African football. In the past, the "Teranga Lions" have defeated France and many European giants. However, in this year's tournament, Senegal has yet to make a significant impact due to being in a tough group with France and Norway. Coincidentally, like Belgium, Senegal also had to wait until the final match to explode with a 5-0 victory over Iraq to secure their place in the next round.
The Senegal squad boasts several stars currently playing in Europe, such as Mane, Jackson, and Sarr. However, their playing style remains largely spontaneous and lacks cohesion.
Considering each position individually, Belgium is superior thanks to its squad of highly experienced and top-class players. The European team also possesses a better tactical structure and, most notably, De Bruyne – a player who can decide a match in a single moment.
Unable to play an even game, Senegal will likely opt for a defensive counter-attacking style, relying on the speed of Sarr or Mbaye. However, Belgium, with their experience, will know how to impose their game and overcome a disjointed Senegal side to secure their place in the next round.
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| The USA was the most impressive team in the group stage. Photo: FIFA |
Of the three host teams, the US team was the most impressive in the group stage. "Uncle Sam" showcased an energetic, modern, and effective style of football. The architect behind this impressive US team is Mauricio Pochettino. With an attacking football philosophy he successfully implemented while managing top clubs in the English Premier League, Pochettino built the US team around a 4-3-3 formation.
In the group stage, the US team consistently played an attacking style, with the mobile midfield duo of McKennie and Pulisic and a powerful and sharp striker, Balogun. They convincingly defeated Paraguay 4-1, Australia 2-1, and only lost to Türkiye 2-3 in a match that was essentially a formality.
On the opposite side is Bosnia & Herzegovina, a team that has advanced beyond the group stage for the first time in history. This European team has a rather monotonous playing style, mainly relying on set pieces to find goals. Bosnia & Herzegovina's "ace" remains the evergreen Edin Dzeko.
Bosnia's weapon is that "every pass they make is directed towards the 'evergreen' Edin Dzeko." The veteran's strengths remain his formidable aerial ability, intelligent positioning, and versatile heading skills.
It could be said that the match between the USA and Bosnia & Herzegovina is a classic encounter between a young, modern team and a veteran, experienced one. Historically, the USA holds a clear advantage, remaining undefeated against their opponent (2 wins, 1 draw).
With their impressive form and the overwhelming advantage of playing at home, the US is predicted to sweep aside the Eastern European representatives and continue to pursue their dream of winning the 2026 World Cup.
Source: https://huengaynay.vn/the-thao/bi-my-rong-duong-167242.html
