The first Group F match between 2018 finalists Croatia and Morocco ended in a draw.
With 2018 golden ball winner Luka Modric in their ranks, Croatia started off confident.
Croatia attacked from both flanks with Modric orchestrating the attack while Morocco was content with playing a catching-up game.
Luka Modric at 37 years of age, became the first player to play in three world cups held in three different decades.
𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 🇭🇷@lukamodric10 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/huOf59Ovlv
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Perisic looked rusty, having just returned from an injury. However, he had a powerful shot in the 17th minute which went just above the cross bar.
Croatia played a fast-paced game trying to break the Morocco defence in vain.
Croatia had its first clear cut chance in the extra time of the first half when Vlasic had his shot from close range saved by the keeper.
Modric also hit the top of cross-bar with an attempt.
The halftime ended 0-0 and Morocco would certainly have been the happier side.
Back for the second half at Al Bayt Stadium 🙌
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In the second half, Croatian players appeared to be tiring and Morocco players appeared more energetic and more likely to score.
However, chances were very few and far in between for both teams and the teams had to settle for a draw.
Both sides had seven shots at goal with two shots each on target.
Croatia dominated possession but most of it were in their own half or near the centre of the pitch. Morocco’s defence was well organised to earn a well-deserved draw.
In the second match of Group F between Canada and Belgium, the Canadians missed many chances, including a penalty, to lose to Belgium.
World no 2 Belgium had a very poor disorganised game but were fortunate to earn all three points.
Canada, playing only their second world cup, had a lot of history to make as they have never scored a goal in a world cup and have never earned any points.
Canada kept attacking freely specially from the right flank.
Belgium conceded a corner kick and the resultant attempt on goal by Buchanan hit the arms of Yannick Carrasco, and Canada was awarded a penalty in the 8th minute.
However, Alphonso Davies hit a weak shot to the right which was correctly guessed by Courtois, the Belgian keeper and blocked. Davies had his second chance of the rebound but hit it high.
Michy Batshuayi’s goal is enough to give Belgium the win 🇧🇪@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup
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Belgium’s three men defence looked very vulnerable.
Canada continued to attack from the right flank but failed to put any meaningful shot to the goal.
In the 30th minute, Belgian keeper made another fine save staving off a shot from Johnstone David. Canda had nine shots at goal with one on target at the half-hour mark compared to Belgium’s two.
In the 44th minute, a long ball from the backline of the Belgium half found Batshuani who made a perfect take with a half volley to score the goal for Belgium.
The first half-ended with Belgium leading 1-0.
Belgium however looked listless and definitely missed the services of Lukaku upfront and Vincent Kompany at the back.
Lukaku had been ruled out for the opening match due to a thigh injury, while Vincent Kompany has retired from international football.
Very little was seen of Eden Hazard while Kevin de Bruyne played like a lone-ranger.
Even though not at his best, De Bryune continue to create chances for Belgium, specially Batshuani.
The Canadians had numerous run-ins from the right flank and towards the last quarter, Belgium had to put six men behind to protect their slender lead.
In the 80th minute, J David had a half chance to equalise but his header was weak.
The Belgium defence started to work better and they held on to a crucial win.
After seeing Canada’s display against Belgium, both Morocco and Croatia will fancy their chances to make into the knock-out round. Belgium will certainly not be contented with their performance today and physically, they appear vulnerable.
