(Subedited by Riley Finch)
Belgium’s lacklustre performance will need to be improved if they have any hope of overcoming a well drilled Morocco side, the two teams face off this Sunday in their second game of Group F with qualification still very much in the balance.
Despite claiming victory, Belgium were left disappointed by a narrow 1-0 victory over a Canadian side who were the better team for most of the contest.
Belgium looked shaky at the back and lethargic in attack, Roberto Martinez will have to expect a vast improvement from his Belgium side this time around which could prompt a few changes.
One of which being Romelu Lukaku. Belgium’s talisman returned to training yesterday after missing the opening match following a thigh injury.
He could become Belgium’s all time World Cup scorer tomorrow night should he score, he currently has scored six goals at the World Cup in all appearances.
On Lukaku’s involvement, star man Kevin De Bruyne said: “Even though Romelu has not played for a long time, if he plays for the game, it is enough to unsettle the opponents.”
Belgium were favourites against Canada and will likely be fancied here too but they could run into some problems against a well drilled Morocco side.
Morocco managed a 0-0 draw with the 2018 World Cup runner-ups, Croatia, keeping the likes of Luka Modric, Nikola Vlasic and Anrej Kramaric relatively quiet. No easy task.
Morocco’s manager, Walid Regragui, admitted that his side is not too confident of reaching the knockout stage considering their tough Group run but that his side will show all the fight and determination they have to try and thwart Belgium from advancing.
Belgium really struggled against an energetic, fast-paced Canada side but they will look a lot more favourable against Morocco who tend to sit back and craft their chances slowly.
Martinez’s side never really got going against Canada, but against a less in your face side like Morocco and with the return of Lukaku, I’m expecting a better performance and a couple more goals this time out.
OVERTIME ONLINE PREDICTION: Belgium 2-0 Morrocco
Belgium predicted line-up:
Courtois, Alderweireld, Dendoncker, Vertonghen, Meunier, Onana, Witsel, Carrasco, De Bruyne, E.Hazard, Batshuayi.
Morocco predicted line-up:
Bounou, Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui, Ounahi, Amallah, Amrabat, Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal.
