The Red Devils will be looking to keep one foot into the knockout stages when they take on Morocco in their second Group F match at Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday.
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Belgium were far from convincing in their opening match of the 2022 World Cup match against Canada on Wednesday, but managed to secure a narrow 1-0 win. The Red Devils will be looking to keep one foot into the knockout stages when they take on Morocco in their second Group F match at Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday. Roberto Martinez’s side were second-best to Canada and were thankful to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to take them over the line. The Atlas Lions, meanwhile, played out a goalless draw against last edition’s runner-ups Croatia in their previous outing. Morocco, who are participating in their third ever World cup finals, have never made it past the group stages and would be high on confidence after earning a point against Croatia.
Behind the dunes awaits Morroco. 🦁 #DEVILTIME #BELMAR pic.twitter.com/SepUyxVDf6
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) November 27, 2022
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Belgium boss Martinez was on the receiving end after his team’s lacklustre performance against the Voyageurs. The Red Devils managed to find the back of the net on the stroke of half-time, courtesy of Kevin de Bruyne’s brilliant assist and Michy Batshuayi’s fine strike. Apart from that, Belgium were on the back-foot for a major part of the game. Meanwhile, Courtois denied Alphonso Davis from the penalty spot. The absence of Romelu Lukaku seems to be affecting the Belgium’s as Batshuayi is struggling to combine with De Bruyne, while Eden Hazard looked rusty because of his lack of game-time in the recent past. Meanwhile, the wing-backs Yannick Carrasco and Timothy Castagne need to contribute more while going forward. Martinez is unlikely to tinker too much with his playing eleven and the Spanish tactician might give his players a bit of time to settle in.
Morocco, on the other hand, produced a solid defensive performance against Croatia to earn a point at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday. The Atlas Lions matched toe-to-toe with the Checkered Ones and were a threat on the counter’s. Meanwhile, against Belgium, Moroccan midfielders Amrabat and Ounahi’s did a fine job against Croatia’s midfield-trio of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic, and this time around, they would be expected to contain arguably the greatest assist-maker in world football,De Bruyne. The Manchester City playmaker is the key player for Belgium and by restricting him. the Atlas Lions could cut the supply chain to the striker. Meanwhile, the two centre-backs of Belgium are on the wrong side of 30’s and the Moroccan attackers can test them with their pace.
Belgium striker Lukaku is expected to find a place in the bench, having recovered from an ankle injury. Therefore, the Inter Milan-man would come on to the field at some point of time. Meanwhile, don’t be surprised if the wing-backs Castage and Yannick Carsaco are dropped to the bench and Thorgan Hazard and Meunier come into the starting lineup. As for Morocco, Noussair Mazraoui got stretchered off against Croatia and is a major doubt for Sunday’s game. Yahya Attiyat is the most likely replacement in his place, although Morocco will hope to have Mazroui back. Other than that, head coach Walid Regragui is likely to opt for the same eleven that started against Croatia.
Belgium possible starting lineup (3-4-1-2): Courtois, Dendoncker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Castagne, Tielemans, Witsel, Carrasco, Hazard, De Bruyne, Batshuayi
Morocco possible starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Bounou, Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui, Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah, Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
