(Football news) Belgium, the number 2 ranked side in the world, face the prospect of elimination from the 2022 World Cup when they take on Croatia at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium. The Red Devils sit in third place, one point behind the 2018 finalist and Morocco in the top two spots in Group F. In the last match, Kramaric put on a marvellous performance to put Croatia in control of Group F as the 2018 World Cup runners-up now require just a draw against Belgium to book their place in the knockout rounds. A victory would guarantee them top spot in the group if Morocco failed to beat Canada by a greater goal margin than the Chequered Ones.
Croatia, who are ranked 12th in the world by FIFA, boast a very strong run of form heading into the contest. They are unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions, on the other hand they have just lost only one of their last 18 competitive matches since Euro 2020. Although the Balkan nation have not beaten Belgium since securing a 1-0 friendly victory in 2010, spirits are high within the Croatian camp and Dalic will feel they have a strong chance of capitalising on the poor form who are struggling to shake off the ring rust.
Four years after finishing third at the World Cup in Russia which was subsequently their best-ever result at a major tournament, Belgium\’s golden generation has started to go down the barrel and face the possibility of an early exit at the group stage in Qatar. In their opening Group F match, the Red Devils were fortunate to come away with maximum points in a scrappy 1-0 win against Canada but their luck ran out against Morocco as they were beaten 2-0 against Morocco courtesy of two late strikes from Romain Saiss and Zakaria Aboukhlal. Last week there were riots in the streets of Brussels after the match and latest reports suggest unrest in the Belgium camp as media reports claim that Romelu Lukaku had to break up a post-match dressing room fight between Kevin De Bruyne and Jan Vertonghen.
De Bruyne raised a few eyebrows when he claimed that he and his teammates are \”too old\” to win the World Cup. They were this year\’s pre-tournament favourites along with Brazil and Argentina who both have older squads on average. Roberto Martinez is under immense pressure to steer his side out of the group, and the Red Devils require a victory against Croatia A draw will only be enough if Morocco lose by three or more goals against Canada. Belgium have lost three of their last four games in all competitions, but one thing going in their favour is that they are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Croatia which provides a glimmer of optimism for the Red Devils heading into the crucial encounter.
Croatia possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Kramaric, Livaja, Perisic
Belgium possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Castagne, Alderweireld, Vertonghen; Meunier, Tielemans, Witsel, Carrasco; De Bruyne, E. Hazard; Batshuayi
