Croatia vs Belgium: Croatia to deal apathetic Belgium knockout blow?

Croatia will be looking to book their spot in the round of 16 as they take on a Belgium side who has failed to impress. Zlatko Dalic’s side, who shocked the world four years ago by making it to the 2018 World Cup final, have been determined to prove that their success wasn’t just a fluke. So far, the Vatreni sit on top of their group and barring a shocking collapse, should be heading into the round of 16, where they will await their next opponent.

Although Croatia were not at their best as they fired blanks in a frustrating stalemate against Morocco, they were clearly riled up by Canadian coach John Herdman’s comments prior to the match. That seemed to give Dalic’s squad the boost they needed, as although Canada scored first, with Alphonso Davies getting on the scoresheet to net the first World Cup goal for his side, Croatia came roaring back, scoring four goals sans reply to hand Canada a humbling loss and take big strides towards securing a knockout round spot.

Croatia did come into this World Cup in excellent form, with just one loss in their last 11 matches and ahead of their tie against Belgium, are currently unbeaten in their last eight games across all competitions. Indeed, the Vatreni also have an excellent track record against European sides at World Cups, with just two defeats in their last ten meetings, with both those losses taking place against France (in 1998 and 2018).

While Belgium have beaten them in their last handful of competitive fixtures, the Red Devils certainly have not showed that they have what it takes to make it a third win in what will be the first World Cup tie between the two nations. That’s especially considering Belgium’s poor form so far at this tournament, which is quite jarring given how highly rated the Red Devils are among some quarters.

Indeed, Belgium managed to be ranked the top side in FIFA without winning a single major title; they are the only side to somehow achieve this feat. Coming into this contest, they were ranked number two – ahead of teams like Spain, Argentina, England, and reigning World Cup champions France – and their showings so far have demonstrated that clearly, rankings mean nothing. Belgium, who barely scraped by Canada and were helped largely by Thibaut Courtois’s strong performance to nullify any Canadian threats, were deservedly on the wrong end of a 2-0 score-line against Morocco on matchday two.

In fact, had the Moroccans been more clinical, and were it not for Courtois, they would have scored more. Roberto Martinez has remained publicly defiant about his position as manager, but certainly the Spaniard will privately be concerned about his job if Belgium fail to get out of the group. And that is a realistic possibility, as Croatia look to be steadily growing in confidence, and Morocco, encouraged by their vital win, will be going for another victory against a Canada side who will still be reeling after their 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Croatia last time out.

With Belgium’s all-time top goal-scorer Romelu Lukaku not fighting fit, Belgium have really struggled for goals up front, and based on their performances so far, it’s hard to see them getting a result against a very determined Croatia side who merely need a point to advance. The Vatreni, of course, will be going for a win as they don’t want to be pipped to top spot by Morocco, who are backed as the favorites to get a result against an already eliminated Canada in the other match.

Belgium’s “Golden Generation” is on the cusp of being rated highly, but again falling short. A group stage exit would be the ultimate humiliation for a side that had been expected to clinch multiple titles on the bigger stage, but have failed to make the grade. Some even say that Belgium are a case of a team made up of brilliant individuals, but poor as a cohesive unit, and that has been exposed brutally at this year’s World Cup.

Will Croatia take advantage of an apathetic Belgium side and secure their spot in the next round? Or will Belgium manage to pull something out of their hats and finally awaken from their slumber?