Outsiders enticing in Group F's second round
Low-scoring Group F’s second round of fixtures gets going again on Sunday with Belgium taking on Morocco.
Roberto Martinez’ men really struggled in their opening match, edging their way past unfancied Canada to a 1-0 scoreline.
They had Thibaut Courtois to thank for avoiding going behind, denying Alphonso Davies from 12 yards early on in the piece before Michy Batshuayi grabbed the only goal of the game.
Belgium are regressing and slipping away from the golden generation that saw them claim third place at the last edition of the tournament.
That said, it only takes seven games to win a World Cup and with players of the skill level of Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne in your ranks, it is hard to deny them progression despite a concerning performance against Canada.
Background
Morocco played out something of a bore draw with Croatia in their first match, a solid point against a nation who reached the final in 2018, and one that will have increased the belief in the squad.
Morocco have scope to introduce some exciting players to the starting XI and will have been disappointed not to make a deeper run at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations.
There is value on them as outsiders in this fixture, Morocco were rated as a stronger nation than Canada heading into the competition and for that reason, Belgium struggling against the Canadians performance-wise makes their odds on price a surprise in looking into this match-up.
Morocco won the shot count 8-5 against Croatia but it was a game of very few quality chances.
Goals?
Belgium were so unconvincing in the opener, and Morocco can hurt them going forward, but in Courtois they have an in-form keeper that can help them overperform in tournament football, and for that reason I am steering away from an overs pick and looking at the Asian Handicap.
Belgium have scored in nine of ten.
Belgium have conceded in seven of ten.
Belgium have seen both teams score in six of ten.
Belgium have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Morocco have scored in seven of ten.
Morocco have conceded in four of ten.
Morocco have seen both teams score in three of ten.
Morocco have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
2-0 Morocco, a clean sweep to begin the tournament!