Two nations meet for the first time with a spot in the Round of 16 on the line when Belgium take on Senegal at Lumen Field in Seattle on Wednesday at 4 PM ET.
Belgium topped Group G with wins over Egypt and Iran. Kevin De Bruyne has been the conductor in midfield, creating chances for Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard, and Charles De Ketelaere. Thibaut Courtois remains one of the best shot-stoppers in the tournament.
Senegal advanced as a third-place team. Sadio Mane is still the talisman at 34, while Ismaila Sarr leads the team with three goals. The Lions of Teranga have pace to burn and will look to exploit space behind Belgium's fullbacks.
Key Matchup: De Bruyne vs Senegal's Midfield
Belgium's captain is the tournament's premier chance creator. Senegal will rely on Pape Gueye and Idrissa Gueye to press and disrupt him, but that leaves space for Doku and Trossard out wide. Belgium's defense has questions against pace, and Senegal has plenty of it.
Pick: Belgium ML (-130) | Both teams to score (+110) | Over 2.5 total goals
Rebecca Hayes
Rebecca Hayes writes sports features, previews, and event coverage with a focus on the people, trends, and storylines that fans care about.