World Cup 2022 [GROUP F] Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Morocco

[kenzel]

Group F - odds to win

1.71 Belgium
3.12 Croatia
10.2 Morocco
13.2 Canada

Wednesday, Nov. 23: Morocco vs. Croatia
Wednesday, Nov. 23: Belgium vs. Canada
Sunday, Nov. 27: Belgium vs. Morocco
Sunday, Nov. 27: Croatia vs. Canada
Thursday, Dec. 1: Canada vs. Morocco
Thursday, Dec. 1: Croatia vs. Belgium

[Dragonite]

Prediction:
1. Belgium
2. Croatia
3. Canada
4. Morocco

[Dragonite]

Morocco started the World Cup with a 0-0. Last time that they started a World Cup with a 0-0 draw was in 1986 against Poland, and they progressed from the group. Will it happen again?

[bugylibicska]

F) Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
Morocco might spring a surprise at either Belgium's or Croatia's expense. So, I think their games against Belgium and Croatia are crucial. Canada I consider to be an outsider, a spoiler at best. The 2 advancing teams might be stopped right at the 1st hurdle.

Morocco didn't disappoint. I've to calm down before saying something I'll regret later about Canada. I think both Croatia and Morocco have good chances against Belgium.

[Dragonite]

Man of the match according to goalpoint was Alderweireld, not Courtois that saved a penalty kick and kept a clean sheet. Worst player was David.

[bugylibicska]

To win the group, to qualify:

Belgium 1.40 1.11
Croatia 4.33 1.73
Morocco 10.00 3.00
Canada 13.00 3.25

[bugylibicska]

Yeah, Canada are an outsider, best case might be a spoiler. I don't believe they can beat both Croatia and Morocco. A huge opportunity was lost in historic proportion. Belgium didn't deserve to win, but Canada were punished by their lack of creativity and footballing intelligence. Most people were surprised by the intensity and aggressiveness of Canada's play, yes they're doing all the running and played without fear, but not well. So many unforced errors committed by them, passing the ball to the opponent from a few meters numerous times, overhitting free kicks from promising positions, not able even to send corners into the proper place etc. Only 3 shots were on target from 22 attempts, missing a penalty. The ref should have given 2 more penalties, but aside from this Canada could only blame themselves. They talk about the positives, baloney, Belgium should talk about it. They took the 3 points despite being outplayed, out harassed, outrunned. What's the positive about being so impotent? Johnstone, Buchanan and David were terrible even by North American standards and Alphonso Davies could shine only for short periods, otherwise very mediocre. It's not my business to criticize the Belgians, but the big names like De Bruyne or Hazard were atrocious. This loss hurts I admit, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and resulted in failure.

[JPV]

You're right, our players where nowhere and a loss would be the right thing if efficiency didn't matter. A shame for Canada they couldn't convert one of the chances.

2 or even 3 more penalties would have been appropriate. I do hope they can do something vs Croatia or Marocco, since they deserve that.

The best thing about yesterday (for Belgium) was Germany's loss, this could make our path to 1/4-finals easier.

[YAYgee]

This is the Hazard backpass one: https://twitter.com/i/status/1595529269131763735

Vertonghen first touches the ball then glances the opponent's foot (there are more vids that show how softly he grazed him + gets to the ball first). This prolly was caught by VAR; no offside but also not a pen.
IIRC it was Lareya who a couple of times went to ground quite easily. They were judged to be dives by the ref (and VAR). I initially thought Canada at least deserved a pen but on closer inspection he did go looking for any slight contact, threw himself on the ground and was only interested in winning a pen.
Considering the corner that led to the pen shouldn't have been awarded in the first place then I'd say fair enough that Canada didn't get more than that one pen.

All in all Belgium were really poor and, regardless of the pen discussion, Canada deserved to get their efforts rewarded. Football can be cruel and I'd also be really frustrated to be left empty-handed.

[Dragonite]

Courtois was aful today, worst player of the match according to goalpoint.

[Dragonite]

Strange choice for man of the match here by goalpoint. It's Kovacic that didn't score or assist in any of Croatia's four goals.

[bugylibicska]

Canada go home and Belgium should follow them. Croatia need only a draw, but Belgium could pip them with a win. Morocco need only a draw against Canada, but even a 2 goals loss might suffice if Belgium only draws.

[bugylibicska]

To win the group, to qualify:

Croatia 1.91 1.33
Morocco 2.62 1.11
Belgium 4.50 2.25

[seso]

Very entertaining group with several unexpected results! Looking forward to the last MD!

[bugylibicska]

F) Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
Morocco might spring a surprise at either Belgium's or Croatia's expense. So, I think their games against Belgium and Croatia are crucial. Canada I consider to be an outsider, a spoiler at best. The 2 advancing teams might be stopped right at the 1st hurdle.

Almost spot on. My feelings for Morocco justified! Bravo Morocco!