World Cup 2022 Croatia vs Belgium Tips and Predictions

Belgium have struggled so far and will take on 2018 finalists Croatia in their final Group F match of the tournament.

Croatia struggled to find their feet in their opening Group F match, however, they sprung to life against Canada on Sunday afternoon and produced a scintillating attacking performance. Although Luka Modric has been kept relatively quiet, the likes of Andrej Kramaric and Mateo Kovacic have shone and stepped up. Zlatko Dalic’s side may be ageing, but they have ample experience at major tournaments and that should help to see them through to the round of 16.

Belgium have looked extremely limited so far and their performances have been languid and uninspiring. Roberto Martinez’s deployment of Kevin de Bruyne has stifled his creativity whereas the reliance on Michy Batshuayi isn’t going to yield regular goals. They were lucky to take all three points against Canada, however, they were deservedly second best against Morocco.

Despite their stuttering performances, Belgium remain favourites for this contest at 31/20. Croatia, who reached the final of the 2018 World Cup can be backed at 17/10 to take all three points and secure their qualification.

• Belgium beat Croatia 1-0 in a friendly last year, however, they haven’t met competitively since 2013. The pair faced one another during the WC qualifiers with Belgium winning 2-1 and the other match finished all-square.
• Croatia – Croatia have been in superb form in recent months and will be looking to cap off a brilliant 2022. They won each of their last four matches of the Nations League and should be able to continue their unbeaten run. They have produced an xG of 3.1 (double Belgium’s total) across their first two matches.
• Belgium– Across all competitions, Belgium have lost three of their last four matches and they’ve also scored just twice across those games. They’ve struggled to create clear-cut chances with an xG of just 1.5 across their first 180 minutes of tournament football.

In order to qualify, Croatia only need a point from this encounter, however, they are unlikely to sit back and gamble on other results going their way. They will be keen to finish top of Group F in order to secure a slightly easier round of 16 encounter and they should be able to take advantage of Belgium’s poor form.

CROATIA 0 HANDICAP

Although Andrej Kramaric has looked composed in front of goal so far in Qatar, it could be worth siding with Marko Livaja, who has averaged more shots per 90 minutes than any other player so far (with Groups G and H yet to play their second matches). He’s averaging over 3 shots per match and should enjoy coming up against Belgium’s ageing defence.

MARKO LIVAJA – ANYTIME GOALSCORER

Although Canada were a little naïve at times at the back, Croatia looked devastating going forward and put together some slick team moves. They should be able to produce a similar performance against their out-of-sorts opponents and rack up a few goals here.

OVER 1.5 CROATIA GOALS

Croatia 

Zlatko Dalic has plenty of options at his disposal although he is unlikely to make too many changes to the XI which blew Canada away on Sunday. 

Key Player/s: Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic. 

Team news: Marko Livaja is likely to retain his place in the XI having produced a sensational performance against Canada. Mario Palasic will also be hoping to figure in some capacity. 

Predicted Lineup: Dominik Livakovic, Josup Juranovic, Borna Sosa, Dejan Lovren, Josko Gvardiol, Luka Modric, Marko Livaja, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric.

Belgium

Belgium’s squad isn’t getting any younger, however, Roberto Martinez has an abundance of talent in midfield to call upon. He must find a way of keeping everyone happy. 

Key Player/s: Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne. 

Team news: Romelu Lukaku is ‘ahead of schedule’ on his return from injury and he was brought off the bench on Sunday in the second half. He could be given a start here. Amadou Onana was impressive in midfield and may retain his place whereas Leandro Trossard will also be hoping to be involved. 

Predicted Lineup: Thibaut Courtois, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Meunier, Timothy Castagne, Axel Witsel, Kevin de Bruyne, Amadou Onana, Eden Hazard, Thorgan Hazard, Romelu Lukaku. 

This should be a cracking match and a really enjoyable 90 minutes. Belgium have lacked cutting edge and if they are banking on a half fit Romelu Lukaku to drag them out of a hole, then they could struggle to take all three points from this tough looking tie.

Bet on Croatia 0 Handicap