What to Expect From Canada's Group F Opposition at the World Cup
Canada is making its first World Cup appearance since 1986, and is the favourite to finish last in Group F. The Canadians are 12.00 to win the group this winter and even priced at 3.60 just to qualify from the group.
They are the biggest underdog in a group that includes Belgium, Morocco and Croatia. Here's a look at what to expect from Canada’s opposition.
Belgium Is the Group F Favourite
At 1.91 to win the group, it’s clear for soccer betting players to see where Belgium is heading in Group F. Belgium was a semifinalist at the last World Cup, where it lost to eventual winner France. It finished third in the tournament after defeating England 2-0 in the third-place playoff.
In 2022, however, Belgium should win its group with relative ease. It has some of the world’s best players, such as playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, and arguably the world’s best goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. Moreover, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku have been far from their best for some time, but they still have the ability to win a game for Belgium.
We expect Belgium to win Group F and win all three games.
Croatia Not As Good as in 2018
While Belgium finished third in the last World Cup, Croatia was the runner-up against the odds after beating England along the way. It lost 4-2 in the final to France, and things have not looked great for Croatia since.
Players such as their all-time great Luka Modric are still around, but the team lacks firepower with stars like Mario Mandžukić retiring. On the other hand, Croatia was sensational in its Nations League campaign, as it even managed to get revenge on France from four years ago with a 1-0 win in Paris. Further victories over Austria and Denmark have Croatia on a five-game unbeaten run; it lost the opening Nations League game to Austria.
Croatia, however, is far from the team it was four years ago. We expect Croatia to finish as the runner-up in Group F, but if Canada can get all three points against it, things could be very different.
Morocco is Not Contending to Win the Pool
If Canada is going to have any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds, it will probably have to beat Morocco, as it is expected to lose to Belgium and Croatia. Morocco is on a four-game unbeaten run, having defeated South Africa and Liberia in recent games and even managing to beat South American giant Chile before a tie with Paraguay.
Canada can gain hope from the United States' 3-0 win in June in what remains Morocco's most recent loss. Morocco does have some well-known players from the European scene, such as Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal, Romain Saiss, Achraf Hakimi and Amine Harit. Players of their caliber could easily outplay some of Canada’s stars, and Morocco will be a huge test for the Canadians.
We expect Canada to put up a fight, but Morocco likely gets the win and potentially forces Canada to the foot of the table.
