World Cup Preview - Group F: Modric to guide Croatia to the final?

We're now at Group F of the World Cup previews with Belgium looking to end their Golden Generation with some silverware. 

Belgium 

How they qualified 

Belgium were unbeaten in qualifying, winning six of their eight games, five points clear of second placed Wales. 

One to Watch – Eden Hazard 

Best known for his time at Chelsea and despite injury preventing him from having a similar impact at Real Madrid, he is still able to produce a moment of magic and will be a key player for Belgium, especially in attack, having scored three goals in six games at the last World Cup. 

Young Player to Watch – Charles De Ketelaere 

An attacking midfielder for AC Milan, Charles De Ketelaere will likely offer something off the bench for Belgium. His goalscoring record at Club Bruges helped them get into the Champions League with 14 goals scored in 39 games in the Belgian Pro League in the 2021/22 season and despite making most of his appearances off the bench for AC Milan this term, he is still able to make an impact. 

Prediction 

Croatia will pose the biggest test in this group, but Belgium’s quality should see them through as group winners. 

Canada 

How they qualified 

Canada came top of their CONCACAF group, meaning they automatically qualified for the World Cup. However, it was their superior goal difference to Mexico that saw take top spot. 

One to watch – Jonathan David 

Jonathan David has been linked with a move to some of Europe’s top clubs, including the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool. Currently at Lille, Jonathan David is still only 22, but is considered one of Canada’s most important players having scored nine goals in qualifying, and at the age of 19 was the top goalscorer in the CONCACAF Gold Cup with six goals in three games. A clinical finisher, he will be key in helping Canada in a tough group.

Young Player to Watch – Alphonso Davies 

Alphonso Davies is known generally as a left-back for Bayern Munich, but his attacking ability is key to Canada and he is played further up the pitch. He has been playing his club football in Munich since 2018 with Bayern Munich II, before moving to the senior team after a season. His combination of pace, dribbling and skill will give Canada a real threat offensively. 

Prediction 

In their first World Cup since 1986, with an inexperienced crop of players, they are likely to go out as the bottom team in this group. 

Croatia 

How they qualified 

Croatia finished top of their qualifying group by a single point, after leapfrogging Russia in the final match. 

One to watch – Luka Modric 

Luka Modric's performances in the centre of midfield helped his national side on their way to the 2018 final and also earned him the 2018 Ballon d’Or award, and he will be hoping he can help his national side once more in what will be his final World Cup. Even at 37, he is still Croatia’s best player and still considered one of the best in his position in world football. 

Young Player to Watch – Josko Gvardiol  

Josko Gvardiol is at RB Leipzig, but his performances at have seen him linked with a move to the Premier League. It’s not only his defensive capabilities to keep an eye on, but his ability on the ball. Gvardiol is a player that likes to play out from the back, either through dribbling or with short passes. 

Prediction 

Runners up in 2018, and they will be hoping to go on another long run this time around and their quality should see them progress to the next round as runners up. 

Morocco 

How they qualified 

Morocco qualified with a perfect record winning all six of their group games, before winning 5-2 over a two-legged playoff game against Congo.  

One to watch – Hakim Ziyech 

It has been a tough couple of months for Hakim Ziyech at Chelsea. However, his quality can’t be denied. A player who can produce magical moments from the wing, cutting inside and getting shots away and creating chances or even through his set-piece ability. He will be hoping to prove he is still the same player who earned so many plaudits from his time with Ajax, which saw them reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. 

Young Player to Watch – Zakaria Aboukhal 

Zakaria Aboukhal started his international career with the Netherlands at youth level, but since 2020 has been representing Morocco at senior level. He currently plays for French side Toulouse as a forward, who can play across the attacking line. He likes to dribble with the ball and cut inside, and is a good linkup man, making Aboukhal a great option for Morocco to have from the bench. 

Prediction 

They are in a tricky group and could cause an upset, but given the players at Belgium and Croatia’s disposal, they will likely miss out on a place in the next round. 

Group stage prediction

1. Belgium

2. Croatia

3. Morocco

4. Canada