Belgium and Senegal ready for World Cup last-32 clash after German and Dutch upsets

Group stage recap

Belgium topped Group G after a 5-1 victory over New Zealand on Friday, having drawn their opening matches against Egypt and Iran. The performance was a relief after criticism of the team's earlier displays. Senegal, meanwhile, recovered from defeats to France (3-1) and Norway (3-2) to thrash Iraq 5-0, squeezing into the knockout round as the eighth-best third-placed side on goal difference.

Belgium's full-strength squad

Coach Rudi Garcia confirmed that defender Zeno Debast is included in the matchday squad after missing the group stage with a leg injury, though he may not start. Winger Jeremy Doku is also available. "It's not a problem, because ever since the start of the competition, we have shown a very strong defence," Garcia said. He praised the performances of his back-ups.

We wanted to finish first in the group stage and we succeeded. Of course we wanted to win more — we know the story of our World Cup so far. Now it is time for the knockout phase.

Senegal's belief and Mendy's absence

Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw said his side is viewing the knockout stage as a fresh start. "It's a new competition that's going to start and we are determined to win this game," he told reporters. Senegal will be without first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who suffered an injury against Norway. He has returned briefly to his club Al-Ahli but will rejoin the squad in Seattle, though he is not fit to play. Mory Diaw started the Iraq win.

Upsets cast shadow over favourites

The exits of Germany and the Netherlands on penalties against Paraguay and Morocco respectively on Monday served as a stark warning. Belgium forward Charles De Ketelaere underlined the new reality.

Yesterday showed that to be favourites or not doesn't matter. On paper, Paraguay was weaker, but any team reaching this stage has a lot of quality.

Romelu Lukaku judged the contest as "50-50", acknowledging Senegal's top-level players. Garcia, who knows Thiaw from their time together at Saint-Etienne, described Senegal as "very fast, very strong," technical and well organized.

Match details and conditions

The match at Lumen Field in Seattle kicks off on Wednesday with cool, overcast weather forecast, a relief after the heat that hampered Belgium's opening draw. Belgium have a fully fit squad and believe they can avoid the shocks of the previous round.