Belgium, Croatia and Morocco can still qualify for the knockout rounds in what promises to be a fascinating round of matches. Belgium and Croatia will play each other, while Morocco faces Canada, which is already out of the tournament.
Many Moroccans will still be reeling from an emotional victory against Belgium on Sunday, in what was the country’s first World Cup victory since 1998, and the third in its history.
“If we go through to the knockout phase, I think we will be very dangerous in the future,” Moroccan coach Walid Regragui told reporters earlier this week.
Anything short of a place in the round of 16 will be a huge disappointment for both Belgium and Croatia.
The latter were the beaten finalists in 2018 and only need a draw against Belgium to secure group progression.
But coach Zlatko Dalić says he refuses to entertain himself by playing for anything other than a win.
“We must not accept the option of having a single point to end the match with Belgium,” he told reporters. “There are no easy games. Belgium needs a win, but we will also be looking for a win.”
Meanwhile, Belgium have struggled to find their place in the tournament so far.
They were heavily outclassed despite beating Canada in their first game and suffered a confidence-shattering loss to Morocco last time out.
However, manager Roberto Martinez says his team will be ready for the showdown and hopes his star players such as Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne can turn their fortunes around.
“We have to stick together now and get stronger. I know this group, we will be ready for Croatia,” she told reporters. “We have not yet been the best Belgium in this World Cup.”
