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WORLD CUP 2022

Group F: What each team needs to qualify for the round of 16 of the World Cup

Belgium must win their third and final group game to avoid elimination as Group F reaches its conclusion today. Croatia and Morocco are best placed to go through.

Belgium's forward #09 Romelu Lukaku (L) speaks with Belgium's French assistant coach Thierry Henry (R) during a training session at the Salwa Training Site in Salwa Beach, southwest of Doha on November 30, 2022, on the eve of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football match between Croatia and Belgium. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
JACK GUEZAFP

When the group stage draw was made, most people predicted that both of the European sides, Croatia and Belgium, would probably go through from Group F. However, as things stand, Croatia and Morocco are best placed to go through and Roberto Martínez’s Belgium no longer depend on themselves but on results elsewhere.

Belgium’s 0-2 defeat to Morocco on Sunday means they now have no option but to beat Croatia today and hope that Canada can do them a favour by beating the North Africans. Another, far-fetched scenario would be for Morocco to suffer defeat by four goals or more (to a side that has only managed to score once in two games...) - in that unlikely case, Belgium would only require a draw to go through on goal difference.

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Morocco beat Belgium 0-2 to go top of the group heading into the final matchday on Thursday. Morocco go into the last game unbeaten on four points - one point and one place ahead of Belgium. Confidence is high and they certainly feel good about their progress prospects and will be aiming to finish the group stage on a high note.

What are the possible outcomes for everyone

Belgium

Belgium have to win their game against Croatia - their direct opponents for knockout stage qualification; pretty straightforward for them.

Croatia

Croatia can qualify for the next round even if they draw with Belgium in the last group stage match. But a defeat would leave Belgium on six points - two points ahead of Modric and Co. If they win, Croatia will be safe with seven points, and depending on the goal difference, will top the group unless Morocco record a big win.

Morocco

The north African country sits comfortably second in the table with four points from two matches and will meet the bottom team Canada, who are already eliminated. Even if they lose against Les Rouges, there is a chance to go through - only if Croatia win their game against Belgium.

Canada

Canada, who scored their first and only World Cup goal against Croatia, will be packing their bags after today’s final group game. Two defeats left them on zero points and out of the running.