On the 1st of December, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium will play host to a huge clash between two of the highest-rated teams at Qatar 2022. Croatia vs Belgium looks set to be one of the most star-studded matches of the Group Stage.
Showcasing two experienced sides with ageing key players, it might just come down to which head coach can outwit the other, who commits to a more dangerous game plan, and which team can oust the opposing midfield maestro.
Which team do you think will win this clash of titans? Read on to find out which way the bookies are leaning.
- Croatia aims to frustrate the Belgians.
- The attack is the best form of defence for Belgium.
- FIFA World Cup 2022 Group F collision creates some great odds.
- Betting on Qatar World Cup 2022 at LV BET.
Croatia have the capacity to shut the door on Belgium
Croatia has long been known for their ability to close out a game, even before Zlatko Dalić arrived. Under the Livno-born coach, the team’s attacking creativity has come to the fore, but against Belgium, Dalić may resort to a much more defensive mindset, utilising the inherently stifling 4-2-3-1 formation.
On the way through the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, Croatia only conceded four goals while scoring 21 in ten games. It showcases a continued strong, all-around game from the 2018 World Cup, which saw Croatia finish as the runners-up, only conceding five and scoring 12 in the six games before the final. At Euro 2020, Croatia went out valiantly to Spain after extra time and managed to blood in a whole host of young talents.
Against Belgium, Marcelo Brozović and Mateo Kovačić will need to put in world-class performances in the middle of the park, cutting out the many central playmakers of their opponents. They will still need to hope that a cutting-through ball from Luka Modrić can baffle the ageing Belgian defence, potentially resulting in punishment for giving the magician a second of time on the ball.
| Name | Position | Matches | Goals |
| Ivan Perišić | Midfielder | 10 | 3 |
| Mario Pašalić | Midfielder | 10 | 3 |
| Luka Modrić | Midfielder | 7 | 3 |
| Andrej Kramarić | Forward | 9 | 2 |
| Marko Livaja | Forward | 7 | 2 |
| Lovro Majer | Midfielder | 2 | 2 |
Overwhelm with attacks: Belgian’s plan
Roberto Martínez will be in his fourth year as the Belgium head coach when his Qatar 2022 dates arrive, and we’ve come to know exactly what to expect from his Red Devils. Playing in a 3-4-3 formation, he’ll rely on the tireless play of the wingers while playmakers funnel the ball towards the focal striker.
Looking to improve on their third-place finish at the last World Cup, Belgium laid down the gauntlet in the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers, going undefeated through eight games and scoring 25 goals in the process. Among the early favourites for Euro 2020, Belgium will take solace from their Quarter-Finals defeat to eventual champions and odds-usurpers Italy.
Croatia is built to be tough to break down, so trust will be placed in the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Yannick Carrasco, and Romelu Lukaku to work their socks off and produce some magic. It certainly won’t be easy, but the stars continually showcase their fast link-up play, which can catch out even the most stalwart of defensive setups.
| Name | Position | Matches | Goals |
| Romelu Lukaku | Forward | 4 | 5 |
| Hans Vanaken | Midfielder | 5 | 3 |
| Kevin De Bruyne | Midfielder | 4 | 2 |
| Leandro Trossard | Forward | 7 | 2 |
| Thorgan Hazard | Forward | 4 | 2 |
| Dennis Praet | Midfielder | 2 | 2 |
| Christian Benteke | Forward | 4 | 2 |
Betting tips and odds on Croatia vs Belgium in FIFA World Cup 2022 Group F
This is one of the closest-matched games between two heavyweights at this stage of the tournament, with either winner of this match potentially winning FIFA World Cup 2022 Group F and being a top pick for the tournament overall. That said, Belgium arrive as the favourites.
Even with Belgium’s stack of attacking talent and Croatia’s potential to exploit their key weakness, the defence, the odds don’t suggest a high-scoring game, with under 2.5 goals favoured to over 2.5 goals. Perhaps the reined-in odds for a draw are what will appeal to most punters.
You can watch Croatia vs Belgium on the BBC at 3 pm UK time, on the 1st December.
Bets on Croatia vs Belgium at LV BET
You can bet on just about any outcome for the Croatia vs Belgium game at LV BET. With a huge range of markets and leading odds to back, you won’t be short on options. You can bet on Asian totals, events in the first half, goals, specific outcomes for each team, and even see if you fancy any of our special bets.
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