PREVIEW: FIFA World Cup Group F – Belgium vs Morocco

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Group F

Belgium v Morocco

15:00 kick-off

Match background

Belgium were underwhelming in their opening game against what proved a stubborn Canada side, though coach Roberto Martinez’s side were still 1-0 winners, courtesy of a Michy Batshuayi goal that placed them top of the group.

With African teams far from convincing in Qatar so far, the Red Devils will fancy their chances to secure qualification for the knockout phase with a game to spare, while a win for their opposition would reignite hopes of progressing in the final round of group fixtures.

Morocco were held to a goalless draw by Croatia – a result that proved once again just how tricky this group is going to be to navigate.

Belgium remain favourites. However, it’s fair to say none of their opponents are pushovers, with indications that the group could very well go down to the final round of matches on Thursday.

Team News

Belgium

The Red Devils will remain without Romelu Lukaku for a third successive match after Roberto Martinez told the media he isn’t willing to risk the striker.

“Romelu was only ever going to be available for the third game [against Croatia] and we will carry on with that, but he is ahead of where he should be. He has trained twice now with the group and the signs are very good. We have to see how he reacts today at training. I don’t expect him to be involved (against Morocco), he is still not 100 per cent at this time.”

This means Batshuayi is likely to again lead the line to possibly add to his World Cup tally, with the Belgians looking to qualify for the Round of 16.

Morocco

According to coach Walid Regragui, this fixture will be “special” for many of the Moroccan players who have Belgian heritage – these include Selim Amallah, Bilal El Khannouss, Anass Zaroury and Ilias Chair.

“They have a special emotion and a positive energy and you have to try and draw from that. It's a special match for them and we all know that,” said Regragui.

“But what we have to do is try and put that into context. I almost brought one of those players into the press conference and then I realised I shouldn't do that as it would put pressure on them.”

Players to watch

Thibaut Courtois

Age: 30

Club: Real Madrid (Spain)

One of the best shot-stoppers in Europe right now and proved it again when he kept out Alphonso Davies’ penalty against Canada in the opening game.

Courtois was voted the best goalkeeper at the 2018 World Cup after keeping six clean sheets and conceding just six goals in Belgium’s seven matches.

At times he had singlehandedly managed to win them the game as they fell short and finished in third place at the previous global showpiece in Russia, and he’s not lost his golden touch.

Hakim Ziyech

Age: 29

Club: Chelsea (England)

Back in the national team, having initially retired because of his poor relationship with Morocco’s former coach Vahid Halilhodzic, the playmaker is a huge influence in the squad and a potential match-winner.

Not only is Ziyech a goal threat but the former Ajax Amsterdam star also provides great link-up play for the forwards – the kind of creativity that can unlock a well-organised defensive setup, much like what the Belgians boast.