Four teams in Group F are Belgium, Canada, Croatia and Morocco. Belgium is a clear-cut ‘on paper’ favorite to win. Visit our sportsbook to get the best World Cup markets and bonuses.
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Belgium
The Belgian golden generation has done a good job of establishing the country as a threat in recent World Cups. They are one of three teams to reach the quarterfinals at the past two tournaments. Belgium can’t claim to be the No.1 ranked team in the world, having been recently replaced at the top of the FIFA standings by Brazil.
Belgium will once again rely on Man City’s 31-year-old playmaker, Kevin De Bruyne, and Inter Milan’s 29-year-old striker, Romelu Lukaku. They also have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois. Coach Roberto Martinez has managed Belgium since 2016, and his staff includes the legendary Thierry Henry, plus former player Thomas Vermaelen.
Belgium is expected to make a deep run in the tournament with a lot of quality on the field, However, there are a few fitness concerns that could hamper the team. Lukaku’s suffered a tendon injury, having only appeared in four league games. Eden Hazard, despite some glimpses of brilliance, has only started one game in La Liga. Belgium is entering the tournament with a form that’s been sloppy and average, and without momentum. We won’t include them in our soccer picks and parlays.
Croatia
Croatia is a team with a stellar World Cup pedigree in recent tourneys. They managed to beat England in the semis four years ago but lost the final (France). Experience and tactics are top-notch. Many of their key players are in the twilight of their careers, so there’s going to be a transition period after this tournament.
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric remains a superb player and a talisman. The 37-year-old will be determined to impress at what is likely to be his final Cup. Croatia did storm through qualifying, having lost just once. They are determined to have another deep run this time.
The Croatian immense experience in midfield is their main strength, with the chemistry of the team very strong, and a squad with depth. Croatians are optimistic about their chances to win the group and will be looking to replicate the result of four years ago. They had a very good performance in Group A of the Nations League, winning the group ahead of Denmark and France. If you’re betting online, there is value in Croatia.
Canada
Canada’s only prior appearance in the World Cup was back in 1986 (Mexico). They finished bottom of their group, having lost all three of their games. However, these Canadians had a great qualifying campaign. They finished top of their group, ahead of Mexico and the United States (seven surrendered goals in 14 games).
Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies is by far the biggest star on this roster. They’re a solid side, with a good mix of youth and experience, and they typically hold back to try and score on the break. They have a great pace, as Lille’s striker, Jonathan David, leads the Canadian attacking line. They’re nothing to lose. It won’t be a big problem if they don’t make it out of this tough group. They’re the longest shot in the foursome, priced at +275, according to the soccer odds.
Morocco
Morocco’s issue is consistency. This is the second World Cup in a row they’ve qualified, but the last time around, they managed to earn just one point. This will be Morocco’s sixth Cup appearance since gaining (French) independence in 1954.
Morocco is regarded as one of the strongest teams on the African continent and will boast plenty of star power at Qatar 2022. Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi is their star, but they also have some experienced Premier League players, including Sofaine Boufal.
Also, after a coaching change in August, the side should be buoyed by the return of its star winger, Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech. They also have Bayern Munich’s Nosair Mazraoui, Sevilla’s Yassine Bounou, and Marseille’s striker Amin Harit. Morocco is a tough team to figure out, so it’s better to avoid them.
“The odds and predictions in the article are based on time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.”
