On Thursday afternoon, Croatia and Belgium meet in a make-or-break clash in Group F of the World Cup.
Croatia form guideZlatko Dalic’s team currently sit top of Group F, having picked up four points from their opening two games. Another victory would seal their place and put them in pole position to finish as group winners. However, a draw would also see them qualify for the knockout stages.
Croatia started their campaign with a rather uninspiring goalless draw against Morocco. However, they came back from a goal down last time out to hammer Canada 4-1. The victory means that Croatia are now eight games unbeaten, having recorded six wins in the process.
Incredibly, despite Croatia reaching the 2018 World Cup final, the win over Canada ended a five-game winless run over 90 minutes in the competition.
Belgium form guideRoberto Martinez’s team kicked off their campaign with a highly unconvincing 1-0 win over Canada in their World Cup opening game. However, they suffered what could prove to be a fatal 2-0 defeat to Morocco in gameweek two.
The scenario for Belgium is relatively simple, if they win, they will qualify for the last 16. A draw would be enough, too, if Morocco lost to Canada and there is a swing in goal difference in Belgium’s favour.
Rather worryingly for Belgium, they head into this game on the back of three defeats in their previous four international outings. It does not bode well for a victory over an in-form Croatia.
Latest team newsCroatia has fitness doubts over Spurs star Ivan Perisic after he went off injured in their last game. Mislav Orsic seems like the most natural replacement for the former Inter star.
Belgium are without Everton starlet Amadou Onana, who will serve a one-match ban after picking up yellow cards in the Red Devils' first two group games. Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans is likely to take Onana’s place in the starting line-up.
What am I backing?Croatia seems to be improving, as Belgium continue to struggle in Qatar. I am backing a victory for Dalic’s team, which would eliminate Belgium from the World Cup.
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