Belgium should ease into the last 16 here. They've won two of their last three World Cup games by five goals and that attacking momentum carries real weight against a Senegal side that shipped six goals across defeats to Norway and France.
Their group stage recovery tells its own story. A draw with Iran and Egypt was followed by that 5-1 thrashing of New Zealand, and Romelu Lukaku plus Leandro Trossard look sharp. Trossard grabbed a brace in the latest win while Kevin De Bruyne continues to pull strings in midfield.
Senegal scraped through Group I in third place after a 5-0 finale against Iraq. Earlier results were messy though, and losing 3-1 to France plus 3-2 to Norway exposed defensive holes. Édouard Mendy remains doubtful with a knee issue while Kalidou Koulibaly has been left out of the squad entirely.
These teams have never met before so there's no history to lean on. Zeno Debast is still working back from a leg injury and won't feature from the start for Belgium, yet their squad depth looks sufficient for this knockout tie at Lumen Field.
Belgium topped Group G and carry the stronger recent results into Seattle. Senegal can score through Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye but their form has been too inconsistent to suggest an upset here.
Expect Belgium to control possession and create the better chances. Their 5-0 friendly win over Tunisia in early June showed the same clinical edge they've carried into the tournament proper.
HOME_PLAYER: Kevin De Bruyne HOME_LOOK: Caucasian, short brown hair, clean-shaven, athletic build AWAY_PLAYER: Sadio Mane AWAY_LOOK: Black African, short black hair, clean-shaven, athletic buildRecommended Bets
Belgium -1 Asian Handicap @1.95 — Belgium's 5-1 and 5-0 wins show they can overpower sides, and Senegal have conceded six in two losses.
Over 2.5 goals @1.85 — Four of Belgium's last five games hit this line while Senegal's matches have averaged over three goals.
Belgium to win @1.70 — They topped their group and carry better momentum into this Round of 32 clash against a Senegal side that needed a final-day win to advance.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
