Welcome to Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in A Rayyan for what, put merely, is a large recreation for each Croatia and Belgium.
The Croats at present sit atop Group F, figuring out {that a} draw will assure them passage into the final 16 whereas a win will get them there as group winners.
In distinction, Belgium are staring down the barrel of what can be a shock group-stage exit. A fortunate win towards Canada was adopted by a loss to Morocco, leaving Eden Hazard’s aspect in a must-win state of affairs if they’re to be assured qualification.
A draw might get them there however they at present path Morocco by three on aim distinction, that means Canada must beat Morocco closely for a draw to be sufficient.
Belgium’s underperformance has led to loads of off-field drama this week. Kevin de Bruyne and Hazard have been publicly flippant in regards to the high quality of the squad and its probabilities, whereas information emerged of a dressing-room spat between Jan Vertonghen and Hazard following the Morocco loss.
Senior gamers and supervisor Roberto Martinez have performed down rumours of a serious rift creating within the squad however it’s clear all just isn’t effectively within the Belgian ranks.
Whether or not they can put these points apart for what’s a must-win recreation stays to be seen however what is definite is that in Croatia they face a aspect who actually discovered their toes at this event when beating Canada on Sunday.
After going one behind, Luka Modric’s aspect unleashed their attacking prowess, scoring 4 unanswered targets to take management of Group F.
Historical past is on Belgium’s aspect, with Croatia having not received this head-to-head since 2010 however, in fact, this present interplay of Belgium’s so-called golden technology seems there for the taking.
Be part of us for full stay group information from 2pm.
