Match Preview: Psychic cat picks Belgium over Russia in upcoming Euro soccer match

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Achilles the cat from St Petersburg Hermitage predicted on Saturday Belgium would beat Russia in its first Euro 2020 match.

Achilles, fresh from predicting Italy’s win over Turkey in Friday’s  opening match, did not hesitate and quickly opted for Belgium, leaving the meal on the Russian side intact.

Belgium may be without key midfielders for their Group B opener in the European Championship but Russia manager Stanislav Cherchesov said Roberto Martinez still has a formidable squad to pick from.

Kevin De Bruyne did not travel to St Petersburg as he continues to recover from a fractured eye socket and nose while Axel Witsel is recovering from an Achilles tendon injury.

Belgium went all the way to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and they have been the number one-ranked side in the world for the past three years.

Russia plays against Belgium at 1900GMT on Saturday.

There are no concerns in the Belgium camp about a COVID-19 outbreak in the Russia team who they face in St Petersburg on Saturday at the start of their European Championship campaign, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has said.

Midfielder Andrei Mostovoy tested positive for the novel coronavirus and was replaced in the squad by defender Roman Yevgenyev on Friday in a blow to the Russians.

They follow the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden on the list of countries who have been hit by COVID-19 cases before the tournament kicks off later on Friday.

But Belgium’s Courtois shrugged off any potential unease at a news conference on Friday ahead of the Group B clash.

“It is not something that frightens us. It is something that has happened a lot over the last season in many leagues, he said.

“We are kind of used to that. It is unfortunate for them but I think we are protected and I don’t think we have a problem with that.”

Belgium face Russia some 18 months after handing their hosts a comprehensive 4-1 beating in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

“When you play against a team that you’ve already played previously, you know them a little better,” added Courtois.

“You know their weak points a little better and that’ always a good thing, although I suppose it could also count against you the other way round. But we know each other well and we are again well prepared for tomorrow. The first match, everyone may still play with the handbrake on, so as not to give anything away, especially defensively. But I hope we will play well from the kick off tomorrow. We play in Russia. We have already won here and hopefully we do it again and it becomes the start of a good month,” he said.

Martinez has left talisman de Bruyne behind to continue his recovery from a double facial fracture suffered in the Champions League final.

“With De Bruyne it was a medical choice. He had a positive day on the pitch with the squad,” Martinez said of training on Friday before the squad flew to Russia.

“The next two days will be very important (for midfielder De Bruyne) to get back to level, to move freely, to practice before rejoining the squad. He is very happy. The decision has been made to keep him in Belgium, so that he can get fit there.”

Russia were dealt a late blow when midfielder Andrei Mostovoy tested positive for COVID-19, with defender Roman Yevgenyev taking his place in the squad on Friday.

All eyes will be on Russia’s towering striker and captain Artyom Dzyuba, who has scored 29 goals for his country, two goals shy of becoming their all-time top scorer.

Dzyuba said that De Bruyne’s absence would be a big loss for Belgium but that they are still the overall favourites to top the group.

“I perfectly remember that the Belgians are very strong, disciplined and organised. I perfectly understand what is expected of me in the game. We have the experience and we have analysed all our matches,” Dzyuba said.

“There are some nerves but of the pleasant kind because this is an important tournament. Like any player I would like to score but the team comes first.

“We have to gain points, and everything else will come if I play well and wisely.”