Croatia v Belgium: Red Devils on the brink

Croatia v Belgium betting odds, tips and predictions and odds

Belgium started World Cup 2022 widely seen as possible winners but are on the brink of being eliminated heading into their third and toughest group game.

Belgium start the day in third place in Group F and almost certainly need to beat the 2018 runners-up to progress to the knockout stage.

Thursday’s match at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium kicks off at 3pm and is live on the BBC.

No joy for Belgium

Qatar 2022 was billed as the last chance for Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ to claim a major trophy but the evidence so far suggests their best days are already behind them.

They were fortunate to beat Canada 1-0 in their opening game and then slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Morocco.

The goals came from second-half substitutes Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal, after Hakim Ziyech had one disallowed just before half-time.

Their goal difference means a draw is unlikely to be enough, even if Canada do them a favour by beating Morocco, so the pressure is on and boss Roberto Martinez believes they have not coped well with expectations so far.

Here's how Group F looks after two matches 👀#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 27, 2022

“We lack that joy, it may be due to the weight we’re carrying on our shoulders,” the Spanish coach said. “We have to analyse the situation.”

Asked about the failure to create clear-cut goalscoring opportunities, Martinez said: “That’s more a mindset, I don’t think it’s a lack of quality.

“We were better on the ball than we were against Canada, we got in beneficial positions but that link-up was missing, we couldn’t find that spare man. I think we have played with a fear of losing.”

Looking at the Croatia v Belgium betting odds, Belgium hold little appeal at 13/8 on current form and we prefer the draw at 9/4.

Card call for Brozovic

Croatia have a habit of upping their game at major tournaments and are in a strong position heading into their final match but cannot afford to ease off.

They start the day as 5/6 favourites in the World Cup Group F betting and are 3/10 to qualify for the knockout stage but defeat would leave them needing a favour from Canada.

Having been held to a goalless draw by Morocco, Croatia looked in trouble when they went behind to Canada after only two minutes but they stormed back thanks to two goals from Andrej Kramaric.

The Hoffenheim striker scored either side of Marko Livaja’s finish as Croatia came from behind to win 4-1, with substitute Lovro Majer completing the scoring.

A double for Andrej Kramarić ✌️#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/OoYbRFcDQm

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 27, 2022

Coach Zlatko Dalic said: “It will be a difficult game. It’s a World Cup, there are no easy games. It will be a difficult match. Belgium need to win, but we will also aim for a win.

“We will not calculate, we will not make any other plans. This is going to be a difficult match.”

With both teams pushing for the win and so much attacking talent on the pitch, this could be an entertaining game if Belgium’s shackles come off.

Both teams to score at 8/11 looks a solid pick for Croatia v Belgium betting tips and a score draw is priced at 16/5.

In Coral’s #YourCall markets, we’re backing 5/1 for Marcelo Brozovic to be shown a card and win three or more tackles as the last of our Croatia v Belgium predictions.

The defensive midfielder has been booked five times in seven starts for Inter Milan in Serie A this season and has won five tackles at the World Cup already so will be key to protecting the Croatia defence.