On Thursday, Groups E and F reach a dramatic conclusion, with four matches for you in the Big Match Predictor. We look at FIFA rankings, key players, recent form and World Cup history to help you make your picks!
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Group F: Croatia vs Belgium (1/12, 5pm SAST)
Croatia:
- Croatia have been in great form of late: WWWDW. They sit 12th in the FIFA World Rankings.
- Winger Ivan Perisic assisted two goals in the 4-1 win against Canada. He has contributed 16 goals at major tournaments (nine goals, seven assists).
- Croatia dominated against Canada, creating six "big chances" from 13 shots and producing 2.62 expected goals.
- They have been beaten in only one of their last nine World Cup fixtures, the loss in the final in 2018 to France. A draw is enough to secure qualification.
Belgium:
- Belgium's recent form isn't great: WLLWD. They still sit 2nd in the FIFA Rankings.
- The Red Devils had 67% possession against Morocco yet managed just two shots on target. Their second-half expected goals total was just 0.20 xG.
- Key striker Romelu Lukaku could start after recovering from injury. Michy Batshuayi managed just one shot and 20 touches in 75 minutes against Morocco.
- Belgium have won seven of their last nine matches at the World Cup. They need to win this match to progress to the round of 16.
Predicted Result: Croatia WIN. Belgium look past their best and are struggling defensively.
Recommended Scoreline Options: 2-1 or 3-1
Group F: Canada vs Morocco (1/12, 5pm SAST)
Canada:
- Canada are already eliminated from the tournament after two defeats. The group's lowest-ranked team (41st) are in poor form: LDWLL.
- Alphonso Davies put Canada 1-0 up after 67 seconds against Croatia. The Maple Leafs only had one other shot on target in the match, though.
- Club Brugge winger Tajon Buchanan has impressed at this tournament. He got an assist against Croatia and made four successful dribbles.
- Canada have lost all five out of five FIFA World Cup matches.
Morocco:
- The Atlas Lions are in strong form in their last five: WDWDW. They are placed 22nd in the latest FIFA rankings.
- Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech was outstanding against Belgium. He assisted the winner, had two shots, four successful dribbles and made three tackles.
- Despite having just 33% possession their 2-0 win over Belgium, Morocco managed four shots on target and 1.48 expected goals.
- To qualify, Morocco need a win to guarantee progression. A draw is enough if Belgium fail to beat Croatia.
Predicted Result: Morocco WIN. Canada are already eliminated and Morocco will have strong crowd support.
Recommended Scoreline Options: 2-0 or 2-1
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Group E: Japan vs Spain (1/12, 9pm SAST)
Japan:
- Japan have lost two of their last three matches: WDLWL. They are the 24th-ranked side in the world, according to FIFA.
- Key men Takumi Minamino and Takehiro Tomiyasu will surely be handed starts in this do-or-die match.
- Japan only hit the target with three of their 13 shots against Costa Rica. In the first half, they produced just 0.02 expected goals in a tepid attacking display.
- The Japanese need a better result in this match than Germany get against Costa Rica. A draw sees them eliminated if Germany win.
Spain:
- Spain have been in great form since Luis Enrique took over, and their last five results were: LWWWD. They sit 7th in the FIFA World Rankings.
- La Furia Roja made double the number of accurate passes than Germany in Sunday's 1-1 draw. However, they only turned that into seven shots in the match, with a paltry 0.16 expected goals in the first half.
- Left-back Jordi Alba excelled against Germany, providing an assist, making eight ball recoveries and having 96 touches.
- A draw is enough for Spain to qualify. Even a defeat will be enough if Germany beat Costa Rica and there isn't a goal difference swing of eight.
Predicted Result: Spain WIN. They've looked good in this tournament and should have too much for the Japanese.
Recommended Scoreline Options: 3-0 or 4-0
Group E: Costa Rica vs Germany (1/12, 9pm SAST)
Costa Rica:
- Costa Rica shocked Japan in their last match, making their form guide as follows: DWWLW. They are ranked 31st in the world, the lowest in Group E.
- They created almost nothing in their 1-0 win over Japan. From 0.11 expected goals produced, they scored with their only shot on target.
- Right-back Keysher Fuller scored the 81st-minute winner. He also won both of his tackles.
- Costa Rica can progress with a draw if Spain beat Japan. A win will guarantee them qualification.
Germany:
- Germany's form of late has been inconsistent: LDWLD. They are the 11th-highest-placed team in the FIFA World Rankings.
- Despite a low 36% ball possession by German standards against Spain on Sunday, they outshot their opponents 11-7 and produced 1.19 expected goals in the second half.
- Niclas Fullkrug could start after his goal against Spain in only his third appearance for Germany. He managed three shots in 20 minutes of action.
- Germany need to win to have a chance of qualifying. Even a victory won't necessarily be enough if Japan narrowly beat Spain.
Predicted Result: Germany WIN. Germany need a victory and will want to boost their goal difference in this one too.
Recommended Scoreline Options: 3-0 or 4-0
