World Cup Group F permutations: Belgium face crunch game against Croatia

Belgium’s hopes of qualifying for the round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup hang in the balance ahead of their final group stage game against Croatia.

It’s crunch time for Belgium as they look to avoid a shock early exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Thomas Meunier, Thorgan Hazard and co. will go up against 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia in their final Group F game on Thursday, and failure to get the three points will in all likelihood end their hopes of making it to the round of 16.

Belgium began their World Cup campaign with an unconvincing 1-0 win over Canada, and then suffered a 2-0 defeat to Morocco in their second group stage game. The defeat to Morocco means that the Red Devils are in third place going into the Group F finale. They are one point behind Croatia and Morocco, who currently occupy the top two spots in the group.

If Belgium beat Croatia on Thursday, they will be through to the round of 16. But a draw would leave them needing a big favour from Canada, who will be facing Morocco at the same time.

Belgium’s goal difference is currently -1, which is vastly inferior compared to that of Morocco (+2). So unless Canada beat Morocco by four or more goals, Belgium will be eliminated from the World Cup if they only manage to get a draw against Croatia on Thursday.

If Belgium win Group F, they will face the Group E runners-up in the round of 16. While finishing second would set up a last 16 clash against the team that wins Group E.