Belgium and Morocco will have each of their second match of the FIFA World Cup 2022 when they face each other at Al Thumama Stadium. Belgium had a narrow and quite unconvincing win against Canada in their opening match of the tournament while Morocco played a goalless draw earlier that same day.
Considering Morocco’s past records in the FIFA tournaments, their draw against Croatia is somewhat of a positive result for them. The team spirit must also have risen up as they refused to concede against not just any team but the 2018 FIFA World Cup finalists. On the other hand, Belgium looking at their last three world cup records, they have won all of their group-stage games.
On any other day, Belgium would have been the favorite to win this fixture but given that their win against Canada has been taken as a stroke of luck, the upcoming clash has analysts seek for more maths to come up with a plausible scoreline.
Belgium vs Morocco Expected Lineups
Belgium is expected to enter the upcoming outing against the African side with almost the same squad that faced Canada in match day one. However, this time Dortmund’s right-back Thomas Meunier and Everton’s midfielder Amandou Onana look more than possible to start the game. Lukaku is still a no-show in light of his hamstring issues. Other untouchables for Belgium are Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Michy Batshuayi, and Youri Tielemans.
Belgium player after scoring a goal against Canada in their first match of the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar.Ziyech is inevitable for Morocco and Hakimi is definitely a preferred choice on the right flank. The missed one may be Morocco’s left-black Noussair Mazraoui because of an injury but the other side’s threat, Sofiane Boufal doesn’t have any reason to not start.
Belgium Vs Morocco; The Teams Stats Against Their Respective Previous Opponents
| Belgium | Canada |
| 0.77 xG | 2.63 |
| 54 % possession | 46% |
| 9 total shots | 22 |
| 3 on target | 3 |
| 3 blocked shots | 8 |
| 4 corner kicks | 4 |
| 1 big chance | 3 |
| 0 big chances missed | 3 |
| 6 shots inside the box | 18 |
| Morocco | Croatia |
| 0.37 xG | 0.52 |
| 35% possession | 65% |
| 8 total shots | 5 |
| 2 shots on target | 2 |
| 0 big chances | 1 |
| 0 big chances missed | 1 |
| 3 shots inside the box | 3 |
Belgium Vs Morocco Our Predictions
If we are to believe history it’s the second round where Morocco starts to look like they aren’t going to stay much longer in the competition. While a few or two upsets are normal at the FIFA World Cups, against the caliber of Belgium and the lack of Morocco’s efficiency in the final third, this match very much tilts towards the possibility of the former’s victory.
Morocco vs Croatia at the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar. ReutersThe fight though will be there from Morocco and they also have a good chance to give one or two legit scares to the Europeans but whether or not it is going to be enough against the Red Devils is to be found out in the match itself. Whatever the case, even in the event Belgium wins the match, a high-scoring game seems assuredly implausible; despite winning the game against Canada, the Red Devils had lower xG than the North American sides. The European team appears to be completely lost in the final actions.
We nonetheless are going for Belgium to win the fixture with a narrow margin of 1-0.
Belgium Vs Morocco Prediction By Numbers
Whether it’s their FIFA ranking or their reputation in these sorts of competitions, Belgium has been considered the favorite to win the game at 19/20 (1.95), courtesy of bet 365.
Morocco meanwhile, has been provided 3/1 (4.00) odds to gain their first three points of this world cup. A tie is also in the achievability with a numeric anticipation of 5/2 (3.50).
Fenerbache’s forward, Michy Batshuayi, whose only goal against Canada helped Belgium secure three points is once again expected to be the first on the scoresheet at 5/1 (6.00). The next probable scorers respectively are his teammates, Lois Openda, Kevin de Bruyne, and Hazard.
From Morocco, Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En Nesyri have jointly received the most bets to be the first scorers at 17/2 (9.50).
Belgium Vs Morocco Previous Meetings
This is the second time Belgium and Morocco are facing each other in the FIFA tournaments. Their first-ever clash was at the competition’s 1994 edition where the European sides were victorious via a scoreline of 1-0. They additionally have also met in a friendly in 2008 though this match Morocco won 1-0.
