On Sunday afternoon, Belgium and Morocco clash in Group F of the World Cup as both teams look to pick up a potentially pivotal victory.
Belgium form guideThe Red Devils produced an unconvincing display in a 1-0 win over Canada in their opening group game. Roberto Martinez will be looking for a far improved performance from his players against a dangerous Morocco team. The victory at least ended a concerning two-game mini-losing streak for Belgium.
Belgium has an excellent recent World Cup record, though, as the Red Devils have now won seven of their last eight matches in the competition. They have also been prolific in front of goal in World Cups, scoring at least two goals in five of their previous eight matches.
Another victory in this clash should see Belgium book their place in the competition's knockout stages.
Morocco form guideWalid Regragui’s team kicked off their World Cup campaign with a highly respectable 0-0 draw against 2018 finalists Croatia. The fact that Morocco managed to keep Croatia out was not a major surprise, as the north African team has now kept clean sheets in their last five international games.
Although a draw was a good result against Croatia, the result means that Morocco have now failed to win in four games at the World Cup, although their last two games in the competition have now finished in draws.
Morocco’s recent competitive games have been low-scoring affairs, with under 2.5 goals scored in three of their last four World Cup matches.
Latest team newsBelgium are once again expected to be without Inter forward Romelu Lukaku through injury. Michy Batshuayhi will likely continue up front after scoring in the opener against Canada. Meanwhile, Morocco could be without Abdelhamid Sabiri, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Noussair Mazraoui through injury.
What am I backing?Morocco showed their defensive solidity in the opening game, and they will be just as solid in this clash. Belgium were not great going forward against Canada. That all adds up to this game being a low-scoring affair, so I am backing under 2.5 goals scored.
