Sweden VS Belgium Match Prediction

The head-to-head record for this fixture is even, with Belgium winning three of the five competitive matches between the nations and Sweden triumphing in the other two games. 

The teams also met in the group stage at Euro 2000, when Emile Mpenza's goal proved to be decisive in a 2-1 win for Belgium. 

Prior to that match, the only competitive meetings between Sweden and Belgium were over 50 years ago, so there is not much to be learned from those fixtures.

Sweden v Belgium: Prediction

Belgium showed off their skills nicely in a 3-0 win over Republic of Ireland, who drew 1-1 with Sweden earlier in the group. If Belgium's talented group of players clicks they should go far in the tournament, but the impending international retirement of Zlatan Ibrahimovic might have a galvanising impact on Sweden. That said, if Belgium perform to their potential they will win.

Sweden v Belgium: Betting Tips

Belgium's odds of 5/6 look good value considering the huge talent in their squad, while Sweden are the clear outsiders at a price of 4/1 for this game. The draw is worthy of consideration in this match, offered at 27/11, while the 4/7 on offer on under 2.5 goals has to be worth a look too. As a romantic selection in what could be his international farewell, Zlatan Ibrahimovic to score any time against Belgium can be backed at a very appealing price of 27/10.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has confirmed he is retiring from international football at the end of Euro 2016, so this could be his final match for Sweden, as they must win against Belgium to have any hope of staying in the competition after taking a single point from their first two games.

Ibrahimovic will be determined to extend his stay at the European Championship, but he has had a difficult tournament so far and is yet to score. John Guidetti could be retained in the Sweden starting line-up in place of Marcus Berg, while right-back Mikael Lustig is still injured, meaning Victor Lindelof will fill in at full-back with Erik Johansson partnering Andreas Granqvist at the back.

Sweden likely XI: 

Isaksson, Larsson, Lindelof, Granqvist, Olsson, Hiljemark, Lewicki, Kallstrom, Forsberg, Guidetti, Ibrahimovic.

After a poor performance in a 2-0 defeat to Italy, Belgium were much improved last time out, with a 3-0 win over Republic of Ireland showing why they are the top-ranked nation at Euro 2016. Romelu Lukaku hit back at the critics with a brace against Ireland, but there are doubts over the fitness of midfielders Mousa Dembele and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco. Radja Nainggolan could be named alongside Axel Witsel in midfield, with Marouane Fellaini selected as a number 10.

Belgium likely XI: 

Courtois, Meunier, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Nainggolan, Witsel, De Bruyne, Fellaini, Hazard, Lukaku

Belgium looked to have found form in their last group match, while Sweden are yet to get out of first gear. Marc Wilmots\' men should justify their status as the favourites for this game, but the last round of group matches has thrown up some surprises already and we could well be in for another here. However, Belgium ought to have too much in attack for Sweden to cope with in this Group F closer.

Sweden\'s only goal at Euro 2016 so far was an own goal scored by Ciaran Clark.