- Croatia reached the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
- Despite being poor so far, Belgium will go through with a win.
- The Belgians are unbeaten in three against the Croatians (two wins, one draw).
Two top European nations go head-to-head in a crucial 2022 FIFA World Cup group match this Thursday, as Croatia face Belgium at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
The Croatians and Morocco have four points each, while the Belgians are third on three points.
Croatia only need a point to make sure of their spot in the last 16. A draw could be enough for Belgium, but they need a big favor from Canada.
Realistically, the Red Devils need to win this one. Here you will find our Croatia vs Belgium prediction along with the latest odds.
Croatia vs. Belgium Odds
This fascinating World Cup group fixture could go either way. Both sides have a lot to play for on the final day, which adds extra spice to an already very tasty matchup.
The bookies are having a tough time splitting the pair in the betting.
| Croatia | Draw | Belgium |
|---|---|---|
| +163 | +240 | +163 |
At the time of writing, both Croatia and Belgium are priced at +163 to get the win. They look evenly matched on paper, and the draw is available at +240.
Croatia’s Odds Breakwon
The current World Cup Croatia odds for the Blazers to reach the final again are +25000.
Despite the Belgium roster soccer aging, they could still be a force to be reckoned with if they reach the knockouts.
Belgium’s Odds Breakdown
Right now, the Red Devils are available at +30000 to make it to the final. Read on for our Croatia vs Belgium prediction and pick.
Croatia vs. Belgium Information
- 2022 FIFA World Cup
- Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
- Thursday, 1 Dec 2022, 10:00 AM EDT
- How to watch: Fox Sports
Croatia
In the 2018 World Cup schedule, Croatia made it all the way to the final against the odds. They grew into the competition and went on to beat England in the semi-finals.
Will the Blazers Get the Job Done?
The Croatians came up short in the final against France, but it was a remarkable achievement for the small nation. Can they go far again four years on?
Croatia’s World Cup campaign got off to a poor start, as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Morocco in Al Khor. However, they more than made up for it in game two, thumping Canada 4-1 in Al Rayann.
The Canadians took a surprise second-minute lead at Khalifa International Stadium, but the Blazers were ahead at half time. Zlatko Dalic’s side added two more in the second period to add gloss to the scoreline.
Croatia’s Excellent Record
Croatia have an excellent recent record in World Cup matches. They have won four of their last five group stage games, finishing third in 1998 and second in 2018. How far can they go this year?
Croatia impressed in their last game against Canada, and they have one foot in the last 16. A draw would be enough, but Dalic’s troops will no doubt be looking for all three points from this one.
Croatia Projected Lineup
- Dominik Livakovic
- Dejan Lovren
- Borna Sosa
- Josko Gvardiol
- Josip Juranovic
- Mateo Kovacic
- Luka Modric
- Marcelo Brozovic
- Ivan Perisic
- Marko Livaja
- Andrej Kramaric
Croatia Injuries
- Nikola Vlasic
Belgium
Belgium were tipped by many to go far in Qatar, but Roberto Martinez’s men have been poor so far.
Belgians to Come Up Short?
They edged past Canada in game one, with Michy Batshuayi scoring the only goal of the game on the stroke of half time. The Canadians missed a penalty and were the better team for large spells.
A win would have seen Belgium through to the last 16, but the Red Devils fell to a shock defeat to Morocco on matchday two.
Second-half goals from Romain Saiss and Zakaria Aboukhlal did the business for the Moroccans.
Belgium are in real danger of missing out on the knockout stage of this World Cup. They finished third in 2018 but defeat on Thursday will see them eliminated.
Three Points
However, the Red Devils will leapfrog Croatia with three points at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
Before the loss to Morocco, Belgium were on an impressive 13-game unbeaten run in World Cup group stage matches.
They had won eight and drawn five. The Belgians last lost successive group games way back in 1986.
Belgium know exactly what they need to do in this one. First and foremost, Martinez’s boys need to put in a far better performance, and they must take the game to the Croatians. Our Croatia vs Belgium prediction is below.
Belgium Projected Lineup
- Thibaut Courtois
- Toby Alderweireld
- Jan Vertonghen
- Timothy Castagne
- Axel Witsel
- Thomas Meunier
- Thorgan Hazard
- Amadou Onana
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Eden Hazard
- Michy Batshuayi
Belgium Injuries
No current injuries.
Croatia vs. Belgium Pick and Prediction
Croatia bounced back from the Morocco draw with a convincing win over the Canadians in game two. Dalic’s side went under the radar somewhat in the build up to the World Cup, but no team will want to play the Blazers in the knockouts should they get there.
Belgium’s experienced squad have found their time in Qatar tough going so far. They are in danger of being eliminated in the group stage for the first time since 1998. However, a win will stop that from happening.
As previously mentioned, these two nations look hard to split on paper.
They are evenly matched all over the pitch, and we can see the two European countries canceling each other out in Al Rayyan. Back the draw and both teams to score at +350. As for the correct score, top odds of +600 for the 1-1 tie are just too good to turn down.
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