Hello Rankers!
The first half of the Round of 16 is over.
Hope you have won some points.To help you score better in RankingBall and win more, here's a strategy guide which can kick you off.
After two penalty shoot-outs, Russia and Croatia have advanced to the quarter-finals. Which world cup favorite will go back home after Spain and Argentina? Will there be more surprises following Russia?
In this matchup, will the Red Devils prove themselves worthy of the world cup, or will the Blue Samurai stage an upset and become the only Asian nation to be in the quarterfinals?
In this guide, we will go over which players you can expect to put in your RankingBall bingo.
Belgium Preview
If the Spanish team was the Spanish Primera Liga put together, the Belgian team is the English Premier League in a nutshell. The Belgian squad consists of players that dominate the English Premier League, such as the Chelsea keeper Thibault Courtois, Tottenham defender Vertongen, City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, and Man Utd striker Romelo Lukaku are just a few pieces of the talent that Belgium's got. With this impressive squad, Belgium has had a 22-match undefeated streak. In fact, they even managed to defeat England with their bench members! Belgium's only and biggest hazard is over self-confidence, which brought down many top seed nations including defending champions Germany.
Expected Best XI
RankingBall Strategies
Attack point - There are two possible choices for this one. Eden Hazard, the Chelsea playmaker is the first choice. He has been performing well this World Cup, and has two goals and 1 assist to his name. His dribbling skills make him a big hazard(no pun intended) to any team that faces Belgium. Another option could be the Napoli winger Dries Mertens. Mertens is a dribbler similar to Hazard, but with less passing skills and deadlier on the set piece. Mertens also has a goal and assist each to him, therefore you will have a happy time deciding who to put on your bingo board.
Goal - Romelo Lukaku. Lukaku is a giant that stands 190cm tall and weighs 94 kg (compare that to Gen Shoji's 182/74 and Yoshida Maya's 189/78!) . To make matters worse for Japan, he is not slow either. Belgium will definitely make full use of Lukaku's size and strength. Belgium is almost 6 cm taller than Japan, and the Belgian team will definitely put the icing on the cake by fully utilizing Lukaku. Here, I have discussed how Artym Dzyuba could threaten Spain with his height and strength in a football environment that starts to go around long balls. It worked out when we consider that Dzyuba led to a penalty that was Russia's life-saving equalizer. Lukaku could do the same, or even better, for Belgium. If you don't want to place Lukaku, then Eden Hazard could be another option, our you could try out some unexpected options such as center-backs Vertonghen or Vermaelen.
Assists - Another tough discussion here. One option to put is put Monaco midfielder Tielemans and hope he makes some. Another option is go for well-trusted City midfielder Kevin de Bryune. Also, placing Dries Mertens for assists could be another option. It would pretty much depend on your bingo positioning.
Saves - Thibault Courtois is a top EPL goalie. Period. The only reason not to put Belgium for saves is that there are chances of a one-sided game.
Corners - Belgium is more likely to be on the offensive in this matchup. Expect them to put up many corners, and Lukaku heading some on the goal.
Shots on - I would take several Belgian players here. They're called as the Golden Generation for a reason!
Fouls - Belgium is definitely the more physical side here. They have an average of around 14 fouls per match, and definitely could go even more if they wish to play rough on (relatively) measly Japan.
Cards - This is a tough one. Belgium is one of the more discipline sides in the competition, winning only 5 yellow cards until now.
Japan Preview
The only Asian nation that has made to the group stages so far! Considering that Japan changed its coach 2 months before the World Cup, this is a great achievement! Also, they pose a solid roster with most of thier players performing in Europe's top leagues. Some might call it a fluke, while some might attribute to skill. However, it is not fluke that they made it out of the chaotic Group H, where all four nations had similar chance of advancing. In fact, top-seeders Poland lost against Colombia and Senegal, while Japan defeated Colombia and drew with Senegal. However, this time, they face a tough challenge in Belgium. After their 'fair play' defeat against Poland, will they redeem themselves with a performance against the Red Devils? Or will they suffer even more humiliation and exit the World Cup as the laughing stock?
Expected Best XI
RankingBall Strategies
Attack point - Keisuke Honda and Takashi Inui are the best bets here. Both have played extremely well this group stage, and we could expect them to get or make a goal against Belgium. Also, keep in mind that Keisuke Honda is an extremely talented free kicker! Perhaps, if Belgium fouls when Honda is on the pitch, then it could mean the beginning of an upset for them. If you want to have a starting member, than Inui is the option to go for.
Goal - If Japan wishes to get a goal, then Osako Yuya would be the option here. Yuya is the lone striker for Japan, and other viable options seem to be the aforementioned Keisuke Honda and Takashi Inui.
Assists - Borusia Dortmund midfielder Shinji Kagawa sounds like a classical and stable option here, should he come online against Belgium. Another option could be the Inter right-back Nagatomo Yuto, who is known in the Serie A for his attacking talent, and has 1 assist to his name.
Saves - Eiji Kawashima is a good keeper. Expect him to be Japan's last line of defense against Belgium, and to do it well.
Fouls/Carding - I strongly recommend you do not put Japan as the team to foul. They have the lowest amount of cards issued and fouls commited per game(9!). At least they got on to the tournament with fair play! However, expect their defensive midfielders Shibasaki Kaku and Makoto Hasebe to commit some fouls to stop Belgium, and receive some cards in the process. Considering that Hasebe has a yellow card to him, I would go for Kaku.
Shots on - I'm seriously considering putting Hazard and Mertens for both the attack point bingo cells. Also, Japanese strikers are notorious for missing the mark. Let's go for Belgians in these cells.
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