It should be an entertaining clash between two of the world’s top teams when Belgium and France square off in a UEFA Nations League semifinal on Thursday in Turin, Italy. Belgium is the No. 1 team in the world but still is seeking its first major trophy, while France is the reigning World Cup champion. The last meeting between these teams was a 1-0 France victory in the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Les Bleus are on a 14-game unbeaten run (8-6-0), while the Red Devils have lost just once in their last 17 (14-2-1).
Kickoff from Juventus Stadium is set for 2:45 p.m. ET. Caesars Sportsbook lists France as the +150 favorite (risk $100 to win $150) in its latest Belgium vs. France odds, with Belgium the +200 underdog. A draw is priced at +220 and the over-under for total goals scored is set at 2.5. Before you make any France vs. Belgium picks or UEFA Nations League predictions, make sure you check out what European soccer insider Martin Green has to say.
After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper. Since then, his European soccer picks have hauled in stunning profits. Green has generated well over $36,000 for $100 bettors since the 2017-18 season.
Now, Green has taken a close look at Belgium vs. France from every possible angle. You can visit SportsLine now to see Belgium vs. France picks and predictions. Here are several odds and trends for France vs. Belgium:
- Belgium vs. France spread: France -0.5 (+138)
- Belgium vs. France over-under: 2.5 goals
- Belgium vs. France money line: France +150, Belgium +200, Draw +220
- BEL: Romelu Lukaku has 78 goals in his past 146 league club matches
- FRA: Kylian Mbappe has 111 goals in 157 career league club matches
Why you should back France
France is the reigning World Cup champion and is looking to atone for an early exit from Euro 2020. Les Bleus played to a 3-3 draw with Switzerland and lost in a shootout in the Round of 16. They still have the devastating attack led by young star Kylian Mbappe, and he should be able to exploit Belgium’s aging defense. The 22-year-old has 17 goals in 49 matches with France, and his speed could be too much for Toby Alderweireld, 32, and Jan Vertonghen, 34.
France is 7-4-3 all-time against Belgium in competitive matches, and it has talent all over the pitch. The midfield is in great hands with Paul Pogba, who has seven assists in seven matches for Manchester United this season. Defensive midfielder N’Golo Kante will be a big loss after he tested positive for COVID, but Raphael Varane is a strong steward for the defense. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is the team captain and is second all-time in caps for the national team.
Why you should back Belgium
Belgium is the No. 1 team in the world because it is loaded with talent. Kevin De Bruyne steers the ship, and he is almost universally considered the world’s best midfielder. He had 19 goals and 32 assists the past two seasons with Manchester City. He has scored 22 times and set up 36 goals in 75 games for the national team, and he will continue to feed Belgium’s top two all-time goal-scorers. Romelu Lukaku is a lethal finisher and has scored 67 times in 100 appearances for Belgium, while the speedy Eden Hazard has 33 goals in 113 matches.
The Red Devils will be hungry to beat an elite team after the loss to Italy and a 2-1 setback against England in the Nations League group stage. However, they beat England 2-0 in the rematch and beat Portugal in the Euro 2020 Round of 16. Since their Euro 2020 exit, the Red Devils have outscored three opponents 9-2, posting clean sheets in the last two.
How to make UEFA Nations League picks for Belgium vs. France
Green has analyzed Thursday’s France vs. Belgium match from every angle, and he is leaning over on the goal total. He also has revealed two confident best bets and has a complete analysis of this UEFA Nations League match. Green is only sharing his expert picks at SportsLine.
Who wins Belgium vs. France? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for France v.s Belgium, all from the European soccer expert who has generated more than $36,000 for $100 bettors over the past four seasons, and find out.