Before the World Cup, it seemed that this could be the match for the first place in the group. But, after tonight's game, it could happen that one of these two selections will go home. At the moment, the Belgians are closer to packing their bags, who today (16) have to beat Croatia at "Ahmad bin-Ali" in order to qualify for the round of XNUMX.
After two rounds, Belgium has three points, one less than the "fiery" and Morocco, from whom it lost smoothly in the previous round (2:0). The victory leads the "red devils" to the round of 4, and a draw would be enough for them only if Canada convincingly defeated Morocco (0:3 or more, and even 0:XNUMX, if the draw with Croatia was with at least two goals).
The bronze selection from the previous World Cup, therefore, cannot calculate, but must play much better than it was the case during the previous World Cup 180 minutes. The Belgians survived a dangerous Canada at the premiere, but were then outplayed by Morocco.
"With the match against Croatia, the World Cup begins for us. Of course we are not satisfied with how the previous games went. But this group of players deserves respect because what they left behind is immeasurable. If we make it to the round of XNUMX, maybe the best of us is yet to come," said Belgium coach Roberto Martinez.
Two days ago, there was information about a fight in the team, which was denied.
"Instead of our media supporting the best Belgian team in history, they spread scandalous information falsely. "I don't know who and for what reasons published all the stories that have appeared in the public lately," said Martines.
Timoti Kastanj even denied the information that the team had a meeting after the defeat against Morocco.
"We did not hold any crisis meeting. We had mutual conversations, which are quite normal".
Croatia played cautiously against Morocco, then outplayed Canada, so tonight a draw suits them, which they are not thinking about. Only victory is on the minds of the world vice-champions.
"If we had to choose, we would not have chosen this game to decide. We expect a tough match. This is also an important meeting for them. We will not be fooled by the fact that Belgium played somewhat weaker in Qatar. We are ready, we will try to win, but it will not be easy. We are not going for a point, which would be enough for us to pass. Such a game does not bring any good. We have to play like we did against Canada. We have raised the criteria", said Croatian coach Zlatko Dalić.
Romelu Lukaku could be in the starting lineup for Belgium.
"With him on the field, Belgium's game is different. He will receive balls with his back to the goal and wait for his teammates to join the attack. It is impossible to get it in a duel, the flow of the ball should be prevented. If we position ourselves well, if we double it, we will solve half the job", said Dalić.
Croats do not think about the media reports and the atmosphere in the Belgian national team.
"We think all the best about Belgium, they showed that they play great football. We don't care what they say about them. We will analyze them, but we have to look at ourselves, we have to be real", said Mateo Kovačić.
CALCULATIONS - GROUP F
Canada has already been eliminated.
Croatia, Morocco and Belgium depend on themselves and with a win they are in the round of XNUMX. Remi is enough for Croats and Moroccans.
The Belgians would have the option that a point would be enough for them, if Canada defeated Morocco (4:0 or more, and even 3:0, if the draw with Croatia was with at least two goals).
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