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Belgium claimed third place at the 2018 World Cup, while Croatia made it all the way to the final. Both sides find themselves in Group F this time around, alongside Morocco and Canada. Here’s our Group F preview and prediction.
- 2018 World Cup: Semi-Finals
- Best World Cup Performance: Semi-Finals (1986, 2018)
- Manager: Roberto Martinez
- FIFA World Ranking: #2
It’s time for their next adventure ??✈️#FIFAWorldCup | @BelRedDevils pic.twitter.com/GIoRiLg05p
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 15, 2022
Earlier this year, Belgium made light work of Poland and Wales in the Nations League. However, they suffered two defeats against the Netherlands. This suggests that Roberto Martinez’s men could struggle to compete with the top teams in Qatar.
The Red Devils reached the semi-finals at Russia 2018 but failed to make it past the quarter-finals at last year’s European Championship. Even so, stars such as Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois could take their country deep into the tournament.
- 2018 World Cup: Runners-Up
- Best World Cup Performance: Runners-Up (2018)
- Manager: Zlatko Dalic
- FIFA World Ranking: #12
Croatia dispatched Nigeria, Argentina, Iceland, Denmark, Russia and England on their way to reaching the 2018 World Cup final. Although they suffered a 4-2 defeat to France in the showpiece, they exceeded all expectations.
In 2022, Zlatko Dalic’s side have already beaten Bulgaria, Denmark, France and Austria. With midfield maestros like Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic in their ranks, they will fancy their chances of producing more magic in Qatar.
- 2018 World Cup: Group Stage
- Best World Cup Performance: Round of 16 (1986)
- Manager: Walid Regragui
- FIFA World Ranking: #22
In 2018, Morocco ended a 20-year absence from the World Cup. However, the African nation failed to win any of their three group games in Russia – bowing out of the tournament without making an impact.
The Atlas Lions will need to rely on big-name players such as Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech if they want to progress from Group F. If Hakimi and Ziyech flatter to deceive, their team will struggle to reach the knockout phase.
- 2018 World Cup: N/A
- Best World Cup Performance: Group Stage (1986)
- Manager: John Herdman
- FIFA World Ranking: #41
Canada’s first and only World Cup appearance came all the way back in 1986. Almost four decades later, the Maple Leafs are ready to return to football’s biggest stage. Have they got what it takes to compete at the highest level?
John Herdman’s boys claimed impressive victories over the USA and Mexico during the CONCACAF World Cup qualification campaign, topping the group as a result. Alphonso Davies and company will be confident of causing a stir in Qatar.
Forebet’s Group F Prediction
- Belgium
- Canada
- Croatia
- Morocco
Forebet predicts that Belgium will win Group F. Interestingly, Canada are expected to finish as runners-up. Croatia aren’t likely to repeat their 2018 heroics this year, while Morocco are set to finish bottom without putting up a fight.
