Belgium (1-0-0, 3 points) vs. Tunisia (0-0-1, 0 points)

Group G, Spartak Stadium, Moscow

Tunisia responds fast

After Belgium seemed poised to run away with the game, Tunisia’s Saif-Eddine Khaoui earns a free kick and Dylan Bronn heads the ball from the center of the box into the bottom right of the net. Wahbi Khazri picks up the assist off a wonderful service.

Belgium pouring it on

Belgium continues to take shots, and Romelu Lukaku’s attempt in space sails past Farouk Ben Mustapha to make this a 2-0 early lead for Belgium in the 16th minute. That’s Lukaku’s third goal in Belgium’s first two matches of this World Cup. He was sprung free after a Tunisia turnover near midfield.

Belgium, goal!

Six minutes into the game, Belgium’s Eden Hazard draws a foul just inside the penalty area, a call confirmed by VAR. On the penalty kick, Hazard sends the ball into the left of the net, while goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha stayed in the middle. Belgium is attacking early, and it has already paid off. The Red Devils hadn’t scored a goal in the first half of their last seven World Cup games.

Starting lineups announced

Belgium keeps the same lineup from its opener against Panama, while Tunisia makes two changes. Farouk Ben Mustapha, who played most of the game against England, will start in place of injured goalkeeper Mouez Hassen, and Saîf-Eddine Khaoui will take the spot of Naim Sliti.

Opening thoughts

In its five World Cup showings, Tunisia has never made it out of the group stage, and a loss against Belgium would make it difficult for the Eagles of Carthage to advance for the first time. Tunisia will be without goalkeeper Mouez Hassen, who left the opener against England with a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, Belgium could secure a spot in the knockout stage if it beats Tunisia and England defeats Panama. Even though Belgium won its opener, 3-0, the team was unable to score in the first half against a Panama team making its World Cup debut.

When: Saturday, June 23, 8 a.m. Eastern

How to watch on TV: Fox.

How to stream online: Fox Sports and the Fox Soccer Match Pass apps and FoxSports.com.

How to watch in Spanish: Telemundo.

How to watch in Canada: Bell Media’s TSN and CTV networks, the TSN GO app and TSN.ca/live.

Team profiles

Belgium

  • Last showing in the World Cup: Quarterfinals, 2014.
  • Best finish: Fourth place, 1986.
  • Notable: In 2014, Belgium finished the group stage with three wins. With victories over Tunisia and England, Belgium could do the same this year.
  • FIFA world ranking: 3. ELO world ranking: 7.

Tunisia

  • Last showing in the World Cup: Group stage, 2006.
  • Best finish: Group stage, 2006, 2002, 1998, 1978.
  • Notable: Tunisia has not won a World Cup game since 1978 when it defeated Mexico, 3-1, in its first World Cup match.
  • FIFA world ranking: 21. ELO world ranking: 48.

What’s next 

Belgium: vs. England in Kaliningrad, Thursday, 2 p.m.

Tunisia: vs. Panama in Saransk, Thursday, 2 p.m.

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