Second and third in the last World Cup, Croatia and Belgium meet this Thursday (12:00) in a momentous match for the qualification to the round of 16 in Qatar-2022.
In the group Fthe Croatia de Luka Modric adds 4 points, the same as Morocco, favorite against Canada already eliminated. Belgium sum 3, but the two games he played left him a rosary of internal conflicts that could explode if he fails to advance to the round of 16.
“We had a good meeting yesterday between the players, we said many things. Above all, we insist that we still have a game to play, it is the most important thing,” the Belgian captain said on Tuesday. Eden Hazard.
Also read: Morocco gives the note against Belgium and approaches the second round of the World Cup
The Real Madrid player was sent to the press with another heavyweight, his ‘merengue’ partner Thibaut Courtoiswith the aim of calming the rumors, which increased after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat against the Atlas Lions.
According to the Belgian and French press, the team’s concentration in the paradisiacal Hilton Salwa Beach, in the south of Qatar, has become the home of trouble, after verbal and even physical confrontations involving several of its pillars; Hazard, Kevin DeBruyne either Jan Vertonghen.
Know more: “We have to get up mentally,” asks Eden Hazard
“We know we spent a more difficult time than usual. The players talked for an hour and we said things to each other; good, less good, some that they did not like, but we talked, “added Hazard, without wanting to go into details.
Defender Timothy Castagne addressed the situation on Wednesday: “You have to go to war for your teammates and we haven’t done it enough. But we’re not as low-confidence as people think.“.
– “Negativity out” –
“We have to leave the negativity out. The made up stories they aim to create a bad atmosphere in the group,” he continued. Courtois, best goalkeeper of the Russia-2018 World Cup.
At the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Belgium will face a Croatian team that started the World Cup with a tasteless goalless draw against Morocco, but went on to win against Canada, coming from behind to win 4-1.
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The runner-up four years ago, again with zlatko dalic in command and eternal Modric in the field -37 years old and fourth Cup-, helped by matthew kovaciche was very solid against a high-paced team like the Canadian.
“Croatia has shown its strength and its quality. We have passed a stage but we are facing a very good team like Belgium. We cannot allow ourselves to be invaded by euphoria,” Dalic said.
Roberto MartinezBelgian coach, thanked the luck of being able to have “a second chance” at the World Cup despite the disappointing performance.
“Tomorrow there is no doubt, it is a moment to enjoy, an opportunity to win. We are playing against one of the best teams in the tournament and it is a challenge”, added the Spaniard, anticipating that he will give more prominence to Romelu Lukakuwho only played 10 minutes -against Morocco- after arriving in Qatar injured.
