The funniest thing about this Belgian team is that they are ranked higher than Spain and France in the FIFA rankings but they come into this world cup with BIG NAMES in terrible form for their club sides. Talk about the Eden Hazards and the Castagnes of this world. Reputations count for absolutely zero in soccer. Morocco were full value for their victory here, my heart warmed up to Ziyech’s redemption mission at this world cup. He has had a torrid 2022/2023 season at Chelsea having lost his place when Graham Potter showed up. He was a thorn on the side of Castagne all match capping off with a mega assist to Zakaria in injury time. This was the Ajax Ziyech as I knew him. Morocco were full of energy , enthusiasm and most importantly did not show any respect to their opponents which has been the downfall of many an African side at previous world cups. The Belgians started with Batshuayi upfront with Lukaku still missing and to be fair he held the line well but Michy has never been that prolific in his career.
In as much as Courtois is a marvelous goalkeeper, he is prone to a brain freeze or two once in a while. The hero of the UCL final was culpable for Romain Saiss’s opening goal. The former Wolves man was credited with the goal but Sabiri’s vision to catch out the Real Madrid keeper cannot be understated. Spain failed to renew the old guard on time and paid for it by poor showings in 2014 and 2018. Belgium are heading in that direction. Clearly Alderweireld and Vertonghen have seen better days, both in their late thirties were caught out on those set plays far too easily. I am in the mood to be critical today. Alex Witsel now, very little protection for the vulnerable back four. Kevin De Bruyne had his worst game for a long time (and it doesn’t happen often), absolutely little link up play with Michy. The good now, Mazraoui of Bayern was huge at left back, we all know how KDB streaks to the flank if he doesn’t find space in the middle of attack. Morocco didn’t feel the absence of their impressive first choice keeper Bounou of Sevilla at all, replacement Munir looked assured. Morocco will face already eliminated Canada ,knowing a win for Croatia when they face Belgium will send them through regardless of their result.