Belgium vs. Senegal: O/U 1.5

Analysis

Belgium dismantled New Zealand and Senegal routed Iraq, both sides bagging five in their final group games. That's not coincidence — those are attacks running hot, with finishing boots firmly on and confidence sky high going into the knockout round. Belgium have the full toolkit. De Bruyne pulling strings, Lukaku leading the line, and enough depth on the bench to sustain pressure for ninety minutes. When they control territory, they push numbers forward — and that leaves a motorway of space behind them. Senegal are built to exploit exactly that. Sarr's electric pace, Gueye's late runs into the box, genuine set-piece menace — this is not a side arriving to park the bus and grind out a draw. They'll hit Belgium on the counter and they have the weapons to punish any defensive lapse. Knockout football can tighten up early, and Senegal's improved defensive shape is a real factor. But the moment that first goal lands, the game cracks open — the trailing team has to attack, space appears at both ends, and that suits two sides who know exactly how to score. Under 1.5 needs both defences to produce career-best performances on the same night. Given what we've just watched from these attacks, that feels like wishful thinking. Back the Over — the firepower is genuine, the counter-attacking dynamic almost guarantees space, and one-nil endings belong to teams playing not to lose, which neither side here is.