Dark Horses Belgium take on Fabio Capello’s error-prone Russia after both sides struggled in their opening games.
It kicks off at 17.00 UK time at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro in a surprisingly balanced Group H.
Belgium were tipped by many to be the outsiders to win this World Cup, but had to fight back in order to beat Algeria 2-1.
Dark Horses Belgium take on Fabio Capello’s error-prone Russia after both sides struggled in their opening games.
It kicks off at 17.00 UK time at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro in a surprisingly balanced Group H.
Belgium were tipped by many to be the outsiders to win this World Cup, but had to fight back in order to beat Algeria 2-1.
Russia have Capello on the bench, but a howler from goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saw them draw 1-1 with South Korea.
Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany has a minor groin strain, but starts anyway, while last week’s substitute scorers Marouane Fellaini and Napoli’s Dries Mertens come into the XI.
Zenit striker Aleksandr Kherzhakov came off the bench to net the equaliser for Russia, but he remains there for this game.
These nations already met in the World Cup, as Belgium emerged 3-2 winners in June 2002 thanks to a goal from current Coach Marc Wilmots.
Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vermaelen; Witsel, Fellaini; Mertens, De Bruyne, E Hazard; Lukaku
Russia: Akinfeev; Kozlov, V Berezutskiy, Ignashevich, Kombarov; Glushakov, Fayzulin; Samedov, Kanunnikov, Shatov; Kokorin