Published on: Dec 1, 2022 8:00 am IST|Updated on: Dec 1, 2022 12:10 am IST
The two medal winners from the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Croatia and Belgium, face off in a game that might determine who advances to the knockout stage. On December 1st, the two European powerhouses will square off at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in what is essentially a must-win contest.
Date: 2nd December 2022
Time: 8:30 PM (IST)
Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
TV Channel: Sports18 SD, MTV SD Live streaming: JioCinema (App & Website)
1. Dominik Livakovic
2. Josip Juranovic
3. Dejan Lovren
4. Josko Gvardiol
5. Borna Sosa
6. Luka Modric
7. Marcelo Brozovic
8. Mateo Kovacic
9. Andrej Kramaric
10. Marko Livaja
11. Ivan Perisic
Injury Report, Unavailability, Expected Changes and Strategy
1. Thibaut Courtois
2. Toby Alderweireld
3. Jan Vertonghen
4. Timothy Castagne
5. Thomas Meunier
6. Youri Tielemans
7. Axel Witsel
8. Leandro Trossard
9. Kevin De Bruyne
10. Eden Hazard
11. Michy Batshuayi
Amadou Onana’s suspension forces Martinez to make at least one change to Belgium’s lineup on Thursday. Youri Tielemans is anticipated to fill in for Onana alongside Axel Witsel.
While De Bruyne and Eden Hazard are anticipated to keep their positions despite the striking duo’s struggles to make an impact in Qatar thus far, Michy Batshuayi remains the most likely contender to lead the line for the Red Devils.
Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, two seasoned centre-backs, may remain in the back three, protecting Thibaut Courtois, who is about to make his 100th appearance in goal for his country.
Goalkeeper: Dominik Livakovic
Defenders: Thomas Meunier, Toby Alderweireld, Borna Sosa
Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne ( captain), Luka Modric, Youri Tielemans, Leandro Trossard, Ivan Perisic
Attackers: Michy Batshuayi (Vice Captain), Andrej Kramaric
Kevin de Bruyne has had a relatively quiet FIFA World Cup, but given the magnitude of the game, trust him to step up and make an impact.
Top 3 players to watch out for are Kevin de Bruyne, Michy Batshuayi and Andrej Kramaric
While Croatia only needs a draw to go to the round of 16, Belgium must play well on Thursday in order to get out of Group F and avoid a disappointing early departure.
However, Dalic’s well-balanced Croatian team has looked stronger after the first two group games, and we can see the 2018 champions coming out on top to end the group stage at the top. Belgium has individual players who, on their day, can make a difference when it matters. Croatia 3-2