FIFA World Cup 2022: Group Stage Matchday 4 Preview

Time for groups E and F.

Group E

Germany vs. Japan

Group E kicks off with Germany taking on Japan. Germany played one friendly last week against Oman which they won 0-1 in the final minutes. Japan played one friendly against Canada which they lost 1-2. Group E is a close group and as such there is little room for error. Both teams will need to start well but on paper Germany are favourites without a doubt. Japan have plenty of quality as well and they will not make it an easy game. Germany should win but Japan could easily get a point or more.

Spain vs. Costa Rica

Spain head into this tournament without much fanfare. No one is expecting them to do anything major and so there is room for them to go under the radar. They played one friendly last week against Jordan which they won 1-3. Costa Rica played Nigeria in a friendly which they won 2-0 and were due to play Iraq but that was cancelled. Costa Rica are not favourites to progress through the group and can go into each game just giving it their all without any real expectations. Costa Rica have provided some upsets in the past but I feel like Spain should get a result.

Group F

Morocco vs. Croatia

Morocco and Croatia kick off the Group F fixtures. Morocco played a friendly against Georgia which they won 3-0, Ziyech scored a goal from his own half in the game. Croatia played one friendly against Saudi Arabia which they won 0-1. Croatia are one of the favourites to get past this group after reaching the finals in 2018. Morocco have quality within their squad like Hakimi, Ziyech, Boufal and others. This should be a fun game to watch but I think Croatia will get three points.

Belgium vs. Canada

Belgium’s golden generation begins yet another international tournament trying to achieve something but after third place in 2018 can they go further? They played a friendly against Egypt which they lost 1-2 and many of their star players are struggling for form. Canada drew against Bahrain 2-2 and beat Japan 1-2 in their friendlies. They had a strong qualification campaign and given Belgium’s current condition they have more than a chance to upset the odds in this game. It would be great to see Hazard role back the years in this tournament and just enjoy his football again but I expect it to be a close game and the result could go either way.