It has been an abysmal start to the World Cup for Belgium. The Red Devils were second-best against Canada and somehow escaped with a lucky 1-0 win and then followed that dismal performance up with an even bleaker one in a 2-0 loss to Morocco.
The FIFA World Rankings should always be taken with a grain of salt, but to see the No. 2 ranked team in the world get outplayed by a pair of long shots is still startling.
Can the Red Devils get back on track and save their tournament against Croatia on Thursday? The game kicks off at 10:00 a.m. ET on Fox.
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Croatia vs. Belgium prediction
While Belgium has looked lackluster in both of their performances in Qatar, Croatia seems to be growing into the tournament.
The Checkered Ones were not at the races in a 0-0 draw against Morocco, but they rebounded with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Canada on Matchday 2 to put themselves in a solid position to qualify for the Round of 16. Croatia advances with a win or draw against Belgium.
Belgium, meanwhile, needs to win to have a hope of getting through (technically, they can advance with a draw as long as Morocco loses by 3+ to Canada, but fat chance of that happening).
Needing a win, you’d expect Belgium to go for broke on Thursday and set up in an aggressive posture that allows their attacking talents to shine through. In years past, that would spell big trouble for their opponents, but given the current form — and age — of Belgium’s stars, it feels like a precarious situation.
And it only becomes more precarious when you factor in that Croatia’s midfield had a wonderful match against Canada. Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Marcelo Brozovic dominated the Maple Leafs, springing attack after attack to send the Canadians packing. Belgium, on the other hand, struggled mightily in the midfield against both Canada and Morocco.
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Kevin De Bruyne is one of the best players in the world, but he seems to be on his own right now, and with Roberto Martinez seemingly committed to Eden Hazard, it’s hard to tell where the goals are coming from for Belgium. Romelu Lukaku could start, but he’s not healthy. Michy Batshuayi has been ineffective for the most part. And Martinez is reluctant to go with Leandro Trossard.
Croatia’s defense is still a worry, but with Belgium’s attack sputtering and the team seemingly at odds with itself, bettors may not have to worry too much about the Red Devils getting at this leaky backline.
This may seem like a strong buy-low spot for Belgium, but with the way the team is trending and the fact that the squad is in disarray, getting Croatia at +165 to take all three points seems like a solid bet.
Croatia vs. Belgium pick
Croatia (+165, FanDuel)
