FINLAND are hoping to pull off a famous victory when they face Belgium in St Petersburg.
The tournament rookies know three points will secure their place in the last 16, with a draw also giving them a great chance of progressing.
But Belgium will be keen to make it three wins from three and are favourites for the game on BBC at 8pm this Monday.
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What’s the form?
To say Belgium’s form is good would be an understatement.
Roberto Martinez’s side hammered Russia 3-0 in their opening game thanks to a brace from Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku.
And even though they conceded within 120 seconds against Denmark, they fought back to win 2-1 in Copenhagen.
Belgium have been formidable on the European stage since their shock exit to Wales in 2016, winning all ten of their qualifiers.
Finland, meanwhile, are a bit more difficult to assess.
They won their first match against Denmark but it’s impossible to judge them on that performance after Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest.
And Markku Kanerva’s team weren’t awfully impressive against Russia, losing 1-0 in St Petersburg.
The minnows deserve their place in the tournament, however, winning six of their ten qualifiers.
“We created more against Russia, but the final pass was still not ideal. We need to improve on that. The players are in good spirits and we will do everything to get something out of the last group game. We all know the quality of the Belgium team and are well aware that we are facing a really tough task.”
Markku Kanerva, Finland manager
Who’s in and who’s out?
Reports claim Martinez will start Kevin De Bruyne, Alex Witsel and Eden Hazard in a bid to get the trio match fit.
Despite already qualifying, the ex-Everton boss is expected to put out a strong team as he wants to win every game.
Thorgan Hazard is at risk of suspension, along with Finland players Glen Kamara, Robin Lod, Tim Sparv and Daniel O’Shaughnessy.
But Kanerva cannot afford to rest those four stars as Finland need to play their strongest team to stand any chance of getting a result against the Belgians.
“It’s prestigious to win the group, so that is something we are definitely going for. Sure, the next phase might be easier if you’re not the group winner, but in football there can always be surprises. At the World Cup we seemed to have a tougher time against Japan than against Brazil. You can’t try to calculate these things, you just always have to play to win.”
Thibaut Courtois, Belgium goalkeeper
Watch out for…
Lukaku’s left foot.
The ex-Manchester United star has been in superb form during the last 12 months, scoring 24 Serie A goals to inspire Inter to the title.
And after his double in Belgium’s first match, he’ll be keen to cash in against the Finns and move into pole position for the golden boot.
If the game’s rubbish…
Meet Kevin De Bruyne’s wife Michele Lacroix, the mother of the Belgian midfielder’s three kids.
The couple are believed to have got together in 2014, when KDB was playing for Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.
Fancy a punt?
Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
Match odds
- Romelu Lukaku to score a hat-trick 12/1 @ Betfair
- Finland to win 10/1 @ Paddy Power
- Teemu Pukki to score first 9/1 @ William Hill
*All odds correct at time of publication
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
