La Roja are favourites having not conceded a single goal in this World Cup
Spain’s record-breaking defence will face its toughest test yet when they take on a resurgent Belgium in a World Cup quarter-final blockbuster in Los Angeles. La Roja arrive as favourites after extending their remarkable run to six consecutive clean sheets with a 1-0 win over Portugal, having gone more than 10 hours without conceding a goal.
Belgium, meanwhile, appear to be peaking at the right time. After edging past Senegal in a dramatic comeback, the Red Devils dismantled co-hosts USA 4-1, with Charles De Ketelaere, Leandro Trossard and super-sub Romelu Lukaku leading a potent attack. Belgium are averaging over 21 shots per game and boast one of the tournament’s best conversion rates.
Spain’s hopes will again rest on the creativity of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and the control of Rodri, while Belgium will look to Trossard’s chance creation and Lukaku’s clinical finishing off the bench. History favours Spain, who are unbeaten in their last 11 meetings with Belgium and have won the last five by an aggregate score of 13-1.
