Luka Modric elevated his game to another level during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, yet his individual brilliance coupled with Croatia's collective effort proved no match against the outrageously talented and stacked France national team that ultimately clinched the biggest prize in football in Russia. Four year's down the line, Croatia would look to rally behind their fantastic performance in Russia as they look to conquer Qatar by crossing the final hurdle. Having said that, Zlatko Dalic's men are in for a dogfight in the starting phase of the quadrennial extravaganza.
Paced in Group F, Croatia will cross swords against former world No.1 Belgium (currently ranked 2nd in the FIFA rankings), a contest that has a billing to be a blockbuster game. While Belgium would pose the biggest challenge for the Croats when it comes to the fight for the top spot in Group F, Canada is one team that can play party poppers for the two European giants. Morocco aren't a team to be taken lightly as well as their grit and stubbornness will be challenging for the other three nations.
Ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, we analyse each team in Group F:
Croatia
When Croatia dazzled their way to the FIFA World Cup final in 2018, they clearly exceeded expectations by landing heavy blows to highly skilled teams on the way. Modric inspired the Croats by being an astute leader and a mid-field maestro, becoming a central figure in Croatia's coming of age. Perhaps, the challenge for 37-year-old Modric is immense this time around. Can the Real Madrid mid-field general inspire his country once again? Well, he will have the support of Ivan Perisic and Mateo Kovacic among other talented individuals to make another run in the multi-national tournament. Croatia will make their sixth appearance in the FIFA World Cup.
Fixtures: Croatia vs Morocco: November 23, Croatia vs Canada: November 27, Croatia vs Belgium: December 1
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Ivica Ivusic, Ivo Grbic
Defenders: Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Borna Barisic, Josip Juranovic, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa, Josip Stanisic, Martin Erlic, Josip Sutalo
Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Lovro Majer, Kristijan Jakic, Luka Sucic
Forwards: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Bruno Petkovic, Mislav Orsic, Ante Budimir, Marko Livaja
Belgium
Belgium recently lost their world No.1 ranking to Brazil and are currently ranked No.2 in FIFA rankings. Yet, rankings are of negligible value with Belgium, a nation grappling to secure its first significant international trophy. For the last five/six years, the European giants have entered every tournament as one of the contenders for the ultimate prize but the country is yet to reach the promised land despite boasting one of the best squads in football. In Euro 2020, the Red Devils were ousted in the quarterfinals while in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the team lost in the semis. Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard are probably the three biggest names in Belgium's squad. The three contemporary superstars form the backbone of Roberto Martinez's side. Having said that, Belgium have several other heavy hitters that complement the aforementioned three stars. As the Red Devils gear up for their 14th campaign at the FIFA World Cup, all eyes will once again be on the 'golden generation' of Belgian footballers to finally live up to their billing.
Fixtures: Belgium vs Canada: November 23, Belgium vs Morocco: November 27, Belgium vs Croatia: December 1
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels
Defenders: Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Leander Dendoncker, Zeno Debast, Arthur Theate, Wout Faes
Midfielders: Hans Vanaken, Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana, Kevin De Bruyne, Yannick Carrasco, Thorgan Hazard, Timothy Castagne, Thomas Meunier
Forwards: Romelu Lukaku, Michy Batshuayi, Lois Openda, Charles De Ketelaere, Eden Hazard, Jeremy Doku, Dries Mertens, Leandro Trossard
Canada
Canada will be participating in just their second FIFA World Cup in Qatar, having last played in the quadrennial competition 36 years ago in 1986. The 41st-ranked team in the world is not a box-office attraction like the two other teams in Group F and there aren't any significant expectations from John Herdman's men. The presence of Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies adds a tinge of flavour to the Canadian side and even the slightest bit of expectation-exceeding display from The Reds would depend on the 22-year-old fullback.
Fixtures: Canada vs Belgium: November 23, Canada vs Croatia: November 27, Canada vs Morocco: December 01
Goalkeepers: James Pantemis, Milan Borjan, Dayne St. Clair
Defenders: Samuel Adekugbe, Joel Waterman, Alistair Johnston, Richie Laryea, Kamal Miller, Steven Vitoria, Derek Cornelius
Midfielders: Liam Fraser, Ismael Kone, Mark-Anthony Kaye, David Wotherspoon, Jonathan Osorio, Atiba Hutchinson, Stephen Eustaquio, Samuel Piette
Forwards: Tajon Buchanan, Liam Millar, Lucas Cavallini, Ike Ugbo, Junior Hoilett, Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Alphonso Davies
Morocco
Morocco will be participating in their sixth FIFA World Cup and Vahid Halilhodzic's side is regarded as one of the strongest teams from Africa. Morocco have been consistent with their performance of late. A dogged side that plays with a lot of heart and competes like a team every time the players step on the field. Having been placed in a highly talented group, Morocco will turn to their talisman and Paris Saint-Germain fullback Achraf Hakimi for moments of inspiration in order to secure a surprising result. Hakim Ziyech, who plays for Chelsea in the Premier League, is another big name in the squad. The team would look to ride on the attacking midfielder's individual brilliance to land punches to far superior teams. If they manage to advance from the group stage, it would be an excellent result for Halilhodzic's side.
Fixtures: Morocco vs Croatia: November 23, Morocco vs Belgium: November 27, Morocco vs Canada: December 01
Goalkeepers: Bono, Munir El Kajoui, Ahmed Tagnaouti
Defenders: Nayef Aguerd, Yahia Attiyat Allah, Badr Benoun, Achraf Dari, Jawad El Yamiq, Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Romain Saiss
Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Selim Amallah, Bilal El Khannous, Yahya Jabrane, Azzedine Ounahi, Abdelhamid Sabiri
Forwards: Zakaria Aboukhlal, Sofiane Boufal, Ilias Chair, Walid Cheddira, Youssef En-Nesyri, Abde Ezzalzouli, Abderrazak Hamdallah, Amine Harit, Hakim Ziyech.
Prediction
Well, Group F is bound to throw a couple of surprising results. While Croatia made the finals last time around, they might find it difficult in the group stage in Qatar. Belgium are the runaway favourites to clinch the top spot and the fight for second place is expected to be between the Croats and the Canadians.
