World Cup Group A analysis: Hosts face Africa's hope Sadio Mane's Senegal as Virgil Van Dijk leads Oranjes
Football![World Cup Group A analysis: Hosts face Africa's hope Sadio Mane's Senegal as Virgil Van Dijk leads Oranjes](https://images.sportsbrief.com/images/320x180/0a4a3217536d95f0.webp?v=1)
The 2022 World Cup is almost here, and teams are getting ready to entertain fans all over the world. Fans and pundits have all made predictions for their brackets.
Brazil, Argentina and France have been tipped to win the top prize, while the likes of the Netherlands have been dubbed as dark horses.
Group F, which has Belgium, Canada, Morocco and Croatia, seems straightforward with experienced teams like Croatia and Belgium expected to progress.
However, Morocco and Canada possess genuine game-changers in their squad and must not be overlooked. Here is Sports Brief's prediction of the Group, according to information from SuperSport.
World Cup Group A analysis: Hosts face Africa's hope Sadio Mane's Senegal as Virgil Van Dijk leads Oranjes
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Belgium's golden generation is gradually declining. They announced their arrival at the 2014 World Cup but couldn't really make a mark. In the 2018 edition however, they finished third.
Croatia produced an unforgettable performance to reach the final, losing to France.
Canada are only making their second World Cup appearance since 1986, while Morocco exited the group stage in 2018.
Belgium's squad give them the upper hand in this group. Kevin De Bruyne is better than he's ever been. Although their defence is ageing, they're still experienced. Their midfield is better than in the 2018 tournament. If Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku play at their best, Roberto Martinez will go all the way.
Player to watch: Kevin De Bruyne
Croatia surprised many by reaching the final in 2018. Their squad is much changed, but the midfield triumvirate of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo could be the key to their tournament. Still, they should comfortably finish second behind Belgium in this group.
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FootballPlayer to watch: Luka Modric
Morocco have some top-level players like Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech, Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat, PSG's Achraf Hakimi and Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri. On paper, their squad is better than Canada's and should therefore be tough to play against. However, Croatia and Belgium are much better than the Atlas Lions.
Player to watch: Achraf Hakimi
Canada finally ended their 36-year World Cup drought by qualifying for the 2022 edition. They lack players who have international experience. Most of their roster is filled with players from the MLS, except Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, who play in Europe.
Player to watch: Alphonso Davies
Prediction: 1. Belgium 2. Croatia 3. Morocco 4. Canada
Considering the squads and international football experience at the World Cup, Belgium and Croatia should easily progress from the group, according to Opta Analyst.
Sports Brief earlier analysed Group F, with Belgium's fading golden generation, Luka Modric's last dance, and Alphonso Davies.
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FootballAchraf 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.