Belgium vs. Russia: Preview
After a sluggish start to their World Cup campaign against Algeria - despite emerging with a 2-1 comeback win - Belgium will need to be much better if they hope to fulfill their potential as one of the teams to watch in the competition.
That task starts today, as the Red Devils will look to break down what should be a resolute Russian defense inside one of the mecca's of football, the Maracana.
There's no better venue than this one to make an impression on the world.
Russia, meanwhile, are coming off a disappointing performance of their own. A calamitous error from goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev combined with a lackluster attack meant Fabio Capello's side could only salvage a draw in their opening group match against South Korea.
Both teams need a result, and whoever gets it will have one foot in the knockout stage.
The Details
Teams: Belgium vs. Russia
Time: 12:00 PM EST
Venue: Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro
Television: ABC (U.S. - English), Univision, ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), CBC (Canada)
Injury Report
Belgian manager Marc Wilmots is still sweating over the fitness of captain Vincent Kompany, as the towering defender is suffering from a groin strain that he suffered late in the match against Algeria.
"He hoped that resting it overnight would resolve the problem, but it wasn't the case and on Wednesday morning he still had pain in the left groin," Wilmots said of the injury.
Kompany has been training on his own, working with the team doctors, in the buildup to today's match, and will be a game-time decision. If he is unable to play, he will likely be replaced by Thomas Vermaelen.
Capello, on the other hand, has no new injury concerns to deal with, but has plenty to ponder in terms of his starting lineup following the uninspiring display against South Korea.
Historic Head-To-Head
The two sides have met on eight previous occasions, with the Russians holding a slight edge having won four matches to the Belgians' three.
The most recent encounter came two years ago, when the Red Devils secured a 2-0 friendly win courtesy of a brace from Romelu Lukaku.
3 Things To Watch
Changes in attack for Russia
Fabio Capello made the somewhat startling decision to keep both Aleksandr Kerzhakov and Alan Dzagoev on the bench the open the match against South Korea, and it failed miserably.
Prior to the pair's introduction in the second half, Russia were devoid of creativity in the attacking third, with striker Aleksandr Kokorin isolated up front and lacking options to help him create openings in attack.
Indeed, it was Kerzhakov who scored the equalizer in the 74th minute, likely securing himself a place in the starting lineup for today's match in the process.
Can Belgium break down another deep defense?
Much like Algeria did against the Belgians, Russia is expected to utilize a deep defensive line and soak up pressure before attempting to hit on the break. Fabio Capello is the manager, after all.
That could result in a similar struggle for Belgium, who were unable to craft chances from open play for 60 minutes against the Desert Foxes, until Marouane Fellaini used his immaculate afro to finally get the ball rolling.
Will today play out in the same vein?
The key to breaking down such a system could be Eden Hazard, who will find himself opposite Russian right-back Andrey Yeshchenko - arguably the weakest link in the team's defense. The Chelsea man was often double (and sometimes triple) teamed against Algeria, and was not offered enough support by his teammates to take advantage of the spaces left elsewhere on the pitch.
If Belgium can rectify that problem, they should be able to find success.
Igor Akinfeev's performance
The Russian goalkeeper apologized profusely following his error against South Korea, which saw a tame effort from Lee Keun-ho slip through his hands and trickle into the back of the net.
"I want to apologise to everybody, it was a childish mistake on my part, a ridiculous goal," he said after the match, via Sky Sports. "The keeper of a national side should not let in such goals. It will not happen again."
Luckily for him, it seems he will get the chance to make good on that promise.
With backups Yury Lodygin and Sergey Ryzhikov only boasting four caps between them, Akinfeev should be back between the sticks today with an opportunity to atone for that mistake.