The most anticipated tie of the group is upon us. Croatia take on Belgium, with both nations needing a win to confirm their progression to the last 16. Belgium have won their previous 2 meetings with Croatia, with Romelu Lukaku bagging all 3 of their goals across that spell. Could the lanky forward be the answer once again?
To Win Match
Croatia 13/8 | Draw 9/4 | Belgium 31/20
Croatia gave more than a decent account on Wednesday – a much needed performance following their goalless draw in their Group F opener. The 2018 World Cup runners-up dominated most of the play and didn’t have their goalkeeper truly tested.
That three points shot Dalic’s men to the top of the group – a perch that they wouldn’t want to lose at this crucial stage of the competition. The midfield engine of Luka Modric, Ma/teo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic have experience playing together and should make their experience felt against the Red Devils.
Many argue that this team has already come of age, reaching their pinnacle four years ago in Russia, however, there couldn’t be a better time to silence their critics than at the biggest stage once more. Ivan Perisic seems like he’s been around forever, but at just 33 years of age, he has shown for Tottenham that he still has plenty of dynamism and athleticism in his legs.
With all due respect to Canada, Croatia were relentless in that one and could continue with that same mentality as they go in search of proving a point and reminding the world that they’re still among the elite group of the pack.
Group F favourites Belgium are starring at group stage elimination, following two underwhelming run outs. Their game plan in this edition of the World Cup was to throw down the gauntlet against the underrated Canucks (who attempted 22 shots against the Red Devils) and follow that up with a dominant performance of African heavyweights Morocco – putting them in cruise control against Croatia.
Oh, how things could be further than that. Against the Atlas Lions, the Belgians started well – when Michy Batshuayi was sent racing through by Thorgan Hazard, but he was stopped by Munir Mohamedi. Although Belgium continued to control the ball and exert consistent pressure, there weren’t many additional clear-cut opportunities despite the fact that they continued to dominate possession.
After the half, Roberto Martinez’s team did not do much better, managing just long-range shots from the ineffective Eden Hazard and the substitute Dries Mertens.
Their then opponents were much more decisive in front of goal and put 2 past them without reply. That performance was yet another reminder of the generation of players who are nearing the end of the road – sentiments echoed in just about each and every nation.
Verdict: Croatia (13/8)
The Croatians swept aside Canada with an emphatic performance. Despite going down within 120 seconds, Dalic’s men took the lead before the half time whistle in what was a highly entertaining game. I think the Croatian camp is in a much better mood ahead of this one and I can see them taking all 3 points.
