Croatia v Belgium – Croatia Full Time
Belgium have been one of the most disappointing teams at the 2022 World Cup so far. Roberto Martinez is already facing intense criticism for some of his decisions as manager with the Red Devils suffering a shock 2-0 defeat to Morocco in their last outing in Qatar. Belgium were also fortunate to beat Canada in their opening fixture.
Croatia appear to be good value for the win at 7/4 after their 4-1 demolition of Canada. Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic will be expected to control the match in the middle of the pitch which could give Croatia a platform to build sustain attacks just as they did against Canada.
Individual talent could see Belgium over the line, but Martinez’s team have looked old and slow at the 2022 World Cup so far. Their attack has been short of ideas against Canada and Morocco, and there’s little reason to believe anything will change in that regard against Croatia.
Japan v Spain – Ferran Torres To Score
Spain can qualify for the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup with a point against Japan in their final group fixture. However, Luis Enrique’s team will be favourites to claim all three points with Spain one of the most impressive performers at the tournament so far. They will take some stopping.
Ferran Torres found the back of the net twice in the 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica, although the Barcelona forward was wasteful against Germany. However, Torres’ Expected Goals (xG) show that he was still getting into good positions and that bodes well for Thursday’s crunch match against Japan.
Japan have the pressing game to disrupt Spain, as they showed against Germany, but Enrique’s team are well-coached and stand a good chance of progressing into the last 16 unbeaten. Torres could be the one that provides the goal (or goals) to get them there.
Costa Rica v Germany – Over 2.5 Goals By Germany
Germany sit bottom of Group E heading into the final round of group fixtures, but Hansi Flick’s side still stand a good chance of qualifying for the last 16. Germany were made to pay for not converting their chances against Japan and more than held their own against Spain. Their group position is somewhat deceptive.
Qualification for the last 16 could feasibly come down to goal difference for Germany, in which case they will need to make their dominance count against Costa Rica. Germany are averaging 2.4 shots per game at the 2022 World Cup with Jamal Musiala one of their greatest threats in the attacking third.
Niclas Fullkrug could start for the 2014 World Cup winners following his decisive contribution off the bench in the 1-1 draw against Spain. The Werder Bremen striker gives Germany an attacking focal point which could prove the difference against a Costa Rica team that has looked vulnerable in defence at this tournament.
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