World Cup Group F Analysis: De Bruyne’s Fading Generation vs Luka Modric’s Swan Song vs Alphonso Davies Debut

• A free-scoring Belgium will put their attacking prowess on the line when they face a compact Croatian midfield in Group F
• Achraf Hakimi will also put his free kick-taking duties on the line in a Moroccan side with struggling forwards
• Watch out for Canada's second World Cup and emerging hotshots such as Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David

Group F will pit two of last edition's semi-finalists, who have both undergone some form of reincarnation, against one another.

Belgium does not possess the same threat it had four years ago, while Croatia are still dependent on the ageing Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic.

Sports Brief takes a look at all 8 groups, their star attractions, weaknesses and strengths as Qatar gets ready to rumble. You can also read here for the analysis of Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D and Group E.

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Belgium

• Star player: Kevin De Bruyne
• Rising star: Leandro Trossard
• Coach: Roberto Martinez
• Sports Brief's predicted finish: Quarter-finals
• FIFA Ranking: 2

Roberto Martinez has managed to keep his side in the top three of the FIFA rankings, despite his core team depreciating in form.

There is no saying that in as much as Belgium will have almost the same personnel from Russia in 2018, their form will be questionable.

The declining story of captain Eden Hazard has been the saddest to see. Then at Chelsea, Hazard brought his A-game to Russia, but everyone is unsure what kind of Hazard will show up in Qatar.

Romelu Lukaku has also taken a tumble since his failed Chelsea switch. He is not fit either in what could see Michy Bathuayi become the lead striker.

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This leaves Martinez to depend solely on Kevin De Bruyne. The Manchester City midfielder has grown from strength to strength, culminating in a podium finish at the Ballon d'Or awards this year.

There is also the Thibaut Courtois issue. If the World Cup were held in June, Belgium could have had the best goalkeeper in the world, but Courtois has since undergone a slump in La Liga.

Martinez will be hoping he can find his 2018 quarter-final form against Brazil, or better yet, his 2022 Champions League final form against Liverpool.

Apart from the mainstays in the squad, the likes of Leandro Trossard and Hans Vanaken will be looking to impress.

Possible XI: Courtouis, Debast, Alderweirld, Vertonghen, Castagne, Tielemans, De Bruyne, Witsel, Thorgan, Hazard, Lukaku.

Croatia

• Star player: Luka Modric
• Rising star: Josko Gvardiol
• Coach: Zlatko Dalic
• Sports Brief's predicted finish: Quarter-finals
• FIFA Ranking: 12

Beaten finalists four years ago, Croatia possesses one of the most talented midfields in the competition. Marcelo Brozovic's gung-ho nature to break down opposing play, Mateo Kovacic's ability to carry the ball and dribble, and Luka Modric's complete package make Croatia tick.

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Dalic has found chemistry between the three midfielders and in turn, they qualified for the Nations League finals next year. They are one of the most in-form teams heading to Qatar.

The 4-3-3 formation allows them to dominate games, with Modric often moving in as number 10 at times. Ivan Perisic plays as an out-and-out winger for his side, and remains very lethal in deliveries and direct play.

Despite their form, no striker has stepped up to fill Mario Mandzukic's boots. Ante Rebic has been snubbed after a rumoured falling out with Dalic.

Gvardiol will slot in as a centre-back, possibly alongside Dejan Lovran, as he looks to continue marketing himself as a promising defender.

Possible XI: Livakovic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa, Juranovic, Mosric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Vlasic, Perisic, Orsic

Morocco

• Star player: Achraf Hakimi
• Rising star: Amine Harit
• Coach: Walid Regragui
• Sports Brief's predicted finish: Group Stage
• FIFA Ranking: 22

Morocco's World Cup preparations have been hit by a myriad of challenges, which started with the sacking of Vahid Halilhodžić. The Moroccan FA replaced him with home-bred Walid Regragui, who was fresh from winning the CAF Champions League with Wydad Casablanca.

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It followed up with an injury to Amine Harit, who could have very key to Morocco's plans in Qatar.

On top of that, Regagrugui remains unsure of the frontline he is taking to the World Cup. Hakim Ziyech rescinded his retirement, but the Chelsea star has been lacklustre for his club this season.

The same goes for Youssef En-Nesyri, who is part of the Sevilla team that is second from bottom on the La Liga table.

Regragui remains with Achraf Hakimi, who spearheaded the Atlas Lions' run to the AFCON quarterfinals this year with his pinpoint free kicks.

Captain Romain Saiss has also been a rock at the back and Noussair Mazraoui is also a decent left-back. Plus Nayef Aguerd and Morocco's backline is set, but Regragui will need a whole plan altogether.

Possible XI: Bounou, Saiss, Hakimi, Aguerd, Mazraoui, Amrabat, Ounahi, Amallah, Ziyech, En-Nesyri

Canada

• Star player: Alphonso Davies
• Rising star: Jonathan David
• Coach: John Herdman
• Sports Brief's predicted finish: Group Stage
• FIFA Ranking: 41

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John Herdman got the nation's attention when he led the Canadian Women to back-to-back bronze medals at the Olympic Games. He went a step further and led the men's team to its second-ever World Cup appearance.

Now in Qatar and set to rub shoulders with De Bruyne and Modric, Canada have stars of their own as well, led by Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies and Lille's Jonathan David.

The former plays as a full-time number 10 for his nation, and uses his pace and cutbacks to hurt the opposition. Just ask Nelson Semedo and Barcelona.

In David, Herdman has a reliable finisher, but getting the ball at his feet will take a lot of work. This will be down to the likes of Stephen Eustaquio, whose ball-playing skills at the base of the midfield are important in containing teams.

Sam Adekugbe could also be vital as a wingback, as he has struck some sort of understanding with Davies.

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Possible XI: Borjan, Johnston, Vitoria, Miller, Laryea, Eustaquio, Hutchinson, Adekugbe, Buchanan, David, Davies

You can also read here for the analysis of Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D and Group E.