Belgium vs Morocco – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2022 FIFA World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Belgium vs Morocco on and what time does it start? Belgium vs Morocco will take place on Sunday 27th November, 2022 – 13:00 (UK)
Where is Belgium vs Morocco taking place? Belgium vs Morocco will take place at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar
Where can I get tickets for Belgium vs Morocco? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Belgium vs Morocco
What channel is Belgium vs Morocco on in the UK? Belgium vs Morocco will be televised live on BBC
Where can I stream Belgium vs Morocco in the UK? Belgium vs Morocco can be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
BELGIUM
- Belgium were far from impressive in their first group game, but thanks to a Thibaut Courtois penalty save and a poacher’s strike from Michy Batshuayi, Roberto Martinez’s side managed to escape with a one-goal win over Canada, their eight consecutive FIFA World Cup victory in the group stage, which equals a world record.
- Striker Romelu Lukaku missed the Red Devils’ victory over Canada and isn’t expected to be ready in time to play against Morocco, meaning that Batshuayi will deputise once again up front.
MOROCCO
- Morocco picked up a hard-fought point in a tough encounter with Croatia and the Atlas Lions face European competition once again here, this time in the form of Belgium.
- Both full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui are injury doubts having sustained knocks against Croatia, with the latter unlikely to feature in this match, having left the field on a stretcher.
THE TEAM NEWS
BELGIUM
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Courtois; Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Dendoncker; Castagne, Tielemans, Witsel, Carrasco; De Bruyne, Batshuayi, E. Hazard
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Lukaku (Injured)
MOROCCO
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Attiyat Allah; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Hakimi (Injured), Mazraoui (Injured)
THE KEY STATS
- Belgium have won their last eight World Cup group stage matches, equalling the record of Brazil who achieved eight successive group stage wins on two occasions (1986-1994 and 2002-2010)
- Belgium defeated Morocco 1-0 in the only previous World Cup match between these two nations in the group stage in 1994
- Belgium have won three and drawn one of their previous four World Cup matches against African nations
- This is Belgium’s 50th World Cup match
- Belgium are unbeaten in their first two matches in each of their last six World Cup campaigns
- Belgium are unbeaten in their last 13 group stage matches at the FIFA World Cup (W8 D5) with their last group stage defeat coming all the way back in 1994 (L 1-0 vs Saudi Arabia)
- Belgium have won 11 of their last 13 World Cup matches
- Belgium have not failed to score in their last 12 World Cup group stage matches, since a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands in 1998
- Belgium have kept five clean sheets in their last six World Cup group stage matches
- This is Morocco’s 18th World Cup match; it will be their 14th against European opposition
- Morocco have lost only three of their last 11 World Cup group stage matches against European nations (W2 D6)
- Each of Morocco’s six draws in World Cup matches have come against European nations
- Morocco have failed to score in four of their last six World Cup matches
- Morocco have not conceded a goal in their last five international matches
- Morocco’s opening two matches at the finals in 1986 finished without a goal being scored
THE PREDICTION
Belgium will enter this match as favourites, but if they play at the same level as they did against Canada then Morocco will have an excellent chance of getting something out of the game, whether it be one point, or all three. Morocco contain plenty of players who are experienced when it comes to big occasions whether it be club or international football and that should serve them well here. Without Lukaku, Belgium looked out of sorts going forward last time out and their defence remains vulnerable. With that in mind, it would be a shrewd move to back Morocco to gain either a draw or victory against the Red Devils via the double chance market.
TIP: DOUBLE CHANCE – MOROCCO OR DRAW
