Qatar 2022 Group F: the past runner-up, the perpetual cheerleader, and two promising teams

Group F can become one of the most even in the World Cup 2022. Although it contains two internationally renowned teams, such as Croatia Y Belgiumwho were part of the podium in Russia 2018, cannot be left out Morocco Y Canada. Both casts arrive on Qatari soil with the hope of starting to write their names in the annals of the most important soccer championship on the planet.

Croatia

In Russia 2018, Croatia got the runner-up. Today, four years later, he once again has the opportunity to take home his first world title. Zlatko Dalić (DT) found the perfect formula to inject his team with a replacement dose. He added youth in defense with Josko Gvardiol (Leipzig), Josip Sutalo (Dinamo Zagreb) and Borna Sosa (Stuttgart), but not leaving aside midfield pillars such as Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Marcelo Brozović (Inter) and Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea), who add more than 300 games with the ‘Ajedrezados’ team. Above maintains Iván Perisic as the weapon of experience, which is perfectly complemented by figures that have emerged in recent years (Ante Budimir, Bruno Petkovic and Marko Livaja).

One point in favor of the Croats is that the players who reached the final of the last championship are still in force at the highest level. What Luka Modric has been doing at 37 is impressive. The Ballon d’Or winner manages the strings in Madrid, the same responsibility that he assumes with his country. Ivan Perisic himself moved from Inter to Tottenham and has not missed a single game this season in the Premier League.

Opinion – Journalist Ante Buskulic (Portal 24sata)

“Croatia has a strong team that has been maintained in recent years, which is very important due to the lack of preparation and friendly matches before the World Cup. The team is confident after reaching the Final Four of the League of Nations and we all hope to advance from the group. After that anything can happen. Belgium is not as strong as in 2018 and 2021 as key players suffer from injuries. It is difficult to predict what it will be like to play in such hot weather, especially in matches around local time, who will adapt better. Also, with Morocco changing coaches very close to the World Cup, who knows what they are capable of.

Belgium

The ‘Red Devils’ still have some players from their ‘golden generation’, which will fight its last battle in Qatar 2022, but very few are currently shining in the elite: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) and Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid). The concern goes through the moment that Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku are going through, stars of the team who arrive at the tournament with a season full of physical problems and discreet performances.

For his part, Roberto Martínez prefers to continue using the 4-3-3 tactical system, suffering more in the defensive zone. This is because he still trusts what Toby Alderweireld (33 years old) and Jan Vertonghen (35 years old) can give him, defenders who returned to the league in their country to close their careers. The insistence on continuing to count on the men who led him to win third place in Russia 2018 has meant that Leandro Trossard cannot have opportunities within the starting eleven, since Eden Hazard enjoys all the credits.

Opinion – Journalist Stijn Joris (Het Nieuwsblad newspaper)

“If logic reigns, Belgium and Croatia should fight for first place. Canada made it to the World Cup for the first time since 1986. They have some good players like David and Davies. They have a lot of speed on their team, so they can be dangerous on the counterattack. Morocco depends on what Ziyech does. If he is at a high level they can also become a difficult opponent. Croatia is among the top ten teams in the world, although it lacks a top striker. The expectations in Belgium are not very high. Confidence in coach Roberto Martínez is not through the roof. He’s stuck to the same tactics and most players since 2018 and never tried a plan B. That means we’re a bit predictable as a team.”

Morocco

It’s been 36 years since the last time Morocco made it past the group stage. The ‘Lions of the Atlas’ are not willing to let another World Cup go by and aspire to be the ‘covered’ team for Qatar 2022. Even though they no longer have important names (Medhi Benatia, Mbark Boussoufa and Nordin Amrabat), the team Directed by Walid Regragui, Yassine Bono (Seville) is the main figure. Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina) and Haim Ziyech (Chelsea FC). One on each line of the playing field, forming the backbone of this set.

In Russia 2018 they only added one point and that was a lesson for them. 38% of those selected already know what it is to play in a World Cup. His main weapon is to keep the arc at zero and take advantage of the speed of his full-backs and attackers. Backlash is a lethal weapon that they use to perfection. They know that it can be very useful when playing against Croatia and Belgium, teams used to subduing their rivals.

Opinion – Journalist Rafik Ayoub (Elbotola Portal)

“Belgium and Croatia are the favorites to qualify for the round of 16. This is a fact, but I think that Croatia is no longer that team that played in the final of Russia 2018, they have many players over 30 years of age. Belgium is a good team, with many talented players. Also, Canada is a team that has the energy and the desire to qualify, so I see that anything can happen in this group. As far as Morocco is concerned, it is a team that has many experienced players, who know what it is to play in the best tournaments in the world. Despite the fact that he is a coach who recently arrived, he has been seen to be very close to the players and his philosophy is focused on the psychological side. We hope they can be the surprise of the tournament”.

Canada

After 36 years, the flag with the maple leaf will fly again in a World Cup. They were the best team in Concacaf, above Mexico and the United States. The great performance they showed in the qualifying rounds places them as a team that could fight for qualification to the next round. Especially taking into account the quality of players they have on their roster, standing out Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich). The left back is not the only one who plays for important clubs in Europe, there is also Stephen Eustaquio (Porto), Atiba Hutchinson (Besiktas), Tajon Buchanan (Club Bruges) and Jonathan David (Lille).

Unlike what he does in the Bavarian team, Davies plays as a winger in the approach of John Herdman, who takes advantage of his speed, power and dribbling. The strategist has the 3-4-3 as his favorite tactical system. A key player is midfielder Stephen Eustaquio. He is in charge of giving the balance between defense and attack. His presence is vital, since ‘The Canuks’ always prioritize starting from below, without skipping lines.