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Belgium
MANAGER: Roberto Martinez
QUALIFICATION RECORD: Breezed through with a goal difference of +19 over eight games, only dropping two points away to Czech Republic and another two in the last match when Wales needed a point to qualify.
KEY MAN: Romelu Lukaku
ONE TO WATCH: Jeremy Doku
TOURNAMENT PROSPECTS: They have a good but aging squad. Can benefit from one of the easiest groups and will very likely have already qualified for the knockouts by the time they face Croatia. However, Germany or Spain are likely Last 16 opponents, where Belgium will be underdogs. In recent years they might have expected to make the semis in a major tournament, but if they did so this year, it would be a huge achievement
TRADER TIP: Golden Boot Winner – Romelu Lukaku.
Canada
MANAGER: John Herdman
QUALIFICATION RECORD: Topped the final round of the North and Central America section to reach their first World Cup in 36 years.
KEY MAN: Alphonso Davies
ONE TO WATCH: Jonathan David
TOURNAMENT PROSPECTS: Belgium and Croatia will be formidable opponents and make getting out of the group. Morocco have a number of top players too, including PSG star Achraf Hakimi and Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech. The two sides meet on matchday three but for both, their hopes of reaching the Last 16 could be over by then after facing the European sides. Either way English-born coach John Herdman will go down in folklore as the man who finally led them back to the World Cup.
TRADER TIP: Canada to Get 0 Points.
Morocco
MANAGER: Walid Regragui
QUALIFICATION RECORD: Topped a group containing Guinea Bissau, Guinea and Sudan with a 100% record, scoring 20 goals and conceding once, then eased past Congo in the playoff match 5-2 on aggregate.
KEY MAN: Hakim Ziyech
ONE TO WATCH: Youssef En-Nesyri
TOURNAMENT PROSPECTS: Will fancy their chances in an open-looking group with an ageing ‘golden generation’ of Belgian stars and relative tournament novices Canada. Getting out the group could come down to the result against Croatia, who they play in their opening fixture. Morocco look as good, if not better, than some of their group opponents on paper, and there’s a feeling they may be underrated going into this tournament. Getting further than the Last 16 will be tough, though
TRADER TIP: Morocco to Qualify from Group F.
Croatia
MANAGER: Zlatko Dalić
QUALIFICATION RECORD: Claimed seven wins, two draws and a defeat in a group including Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta, with 21 goals scored and only four conceded.
KEY MAN: Luka Modric
ONE TO WATCH: Borna Sosa
TOURNAMENT PROSPECTS: They’re in good form after an impressive Nations League campaign where they beat France in Paris and finished ahead of Denmark and Austria. The 2018 World Cup runners-up have a mix of experience and top young talent – both world class respectively. Anything less than the quarter-finals will be considered a failure for this team. The Last 16 will be tough, with Spain or Germany likely opponents, but Croatia have proven they can play anyone and confidence is high
TRADER TIP: Stage of Elimination – Semi Finals.
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