Why Belgium are NOT through to the Round of 16 of the World Cup just yet…

BELGIUM are not technically through to the Round of 16 just yet despite beating Panama and Tunisia in their opening games.

Although they are certainly on the brink and it would take a monumental set of circumstances for the Red Devils to not progress.

Why aren't Belgium through?

Belgium beat Panama 3-0 in their opening game and then put five past Tunisia in their second group game to move on to six points.

England can get a maximum of nine points still following their win over Tunisia but should they lose to Panama tomorrow, that would throw the group wide open.

Panama must win tomorrow and against Tunisia and England must beat Belgium.

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So, what are the permutations?

• If England avoid defeat against Panama, England and Belgium will qualify for the knockout stages and Tunisia and Panama can get their bags packed to head home after Thursday's game
• If Panama win, that leaves Belgium on six points and both England and Panama on three points with one round of matches to go
• If Panama then beat Tunisia in their final match and England beat Belgium then all three teams would be on six points
• And although they can't catch Belgium, Tunisia could still go through if they beat Panama in their final game, Panama beat England tomorrow and Belgium beat England on Thursday
• This would leave all three teams on three points behind Belgium on nine
• World Cup group stages are then decided on goal difference rather than head-to-head first of all so it would depend on the margins of victory

So, if England get a draw or a win against Panama tomorrow, then it makes it far simpler.

And De Bruyne, Lukaku, Hazard and co may be packing their suitcases earlier than they first thought.

But as with England, nothing is ever simple, is it?