The World Cup in Qatar features some great fixtures in the first round of the competition. In Group F, matchday 3 comes with an exciting Croatia vs Belgium.
✔ 1X2 Prediction Croatia – Belgium
Both teams had a great campaign in the 2018 World Cup. Of course, the Croatians reached the final and Belgium finished third after they were knocked out by France in the semi-finals. We expect a competitive duel between two teams who will want to perform at least as well as they did four years ago. We predict a draw between Croatia and Belgium.
✔ Correct Score Prediction Croatia – Belgium
For this big game of the 2022 World Cup, there is no real favourite that stands out. Both Croatia and Belgium want to do well and at least make it to the semi-finals. Our prediction for the exact score would be an even game that ends in a draw.
Croatia win
This is a likely outcome. Croatia have shown at various major tournaments that they should not be underestimated. Belgium may look like slight favourites, but the Croatians can try to beat the odds. 1-0 or 2-1 seem to be the most likely scores in this scenario.
Draw
This seems to be the most likely outcome. Both teams are of the same level and will want to dictate the outcome, but neither is likely to get the better of the other. We expect a 1-1 or 2-2 result.
Belgium win
Belgium want to create a big impact. By defeating a title contender, they would be affirming their ambitions even if it won’t be easy. In case of a Belgian success, we don’t expect a huge gap, and this should be felt in the score which will be tight, 0-1 or 1-2.
✔ Half-Time / Full-Time Prediction: Belgium – 1st half: Draw – 2nd half
This match will be decided on a few details. We expect the Belgian favourite to score before the break but in the second half, Croatia could level and get a valuable positive result for the qualification.
✔ Goalscorer Prediction Croatia – Belgium
Often decisive with their national team, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku should be Belgium’s main offensive weapons. On the other side, Ivan Perisic, who is expected to make his last appearance at a World Cup, will probably be the one to watch out for.
✔ Double Chance Goalscorer Prediction: Kevin De Bruyne / Ivan Perisic
This game could be the perfect opportunity for the stars to shine. In this case, and as suggested above, it could be the opportunity to see Kevin De Bruyne and Ivan Perisic hit the back of the net. So, we offer you this double chance goalscorer prediction.
📄 Analysis Croatia vs Belgium
Pre-betting analysis
Croatia want to defend their runner-up position. Luka Modric’s teammates dominated their group by a narrow margin, one point ahead of Russia. The other teams in the group had a tougher time: Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus, and Malta finished well behind.
Belgium was untroubled in the qualifying phase. First in their group with six wins and two draws in eight games, the Red Devils finished five points ahead of Wales, and ahead of the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Belarus.
Current Form
Croatia are building up confidence. On a nine-game undefeated streak, Zlatko Dalic’s men have not lost a game since they were knocked out in the last 16 of the EURO by Spain (3-5 AET). Therefore, we must keep an eye on this nation.
On the other side, Belgium are on a similar trend. Since their defeat in the quarter-finals of the Euro, the Belgians have only lost two games against France and Italy in the Nations League, but both by narrow scores, which confirms that they remain a very strong team in all positions.
