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The Scout: World Cup Matchday 12 Preview, 1 Dec

Posted on | Posted by The Scout

Group F – Croatia v Belgium

Croatia were ruthless against Canada, and the resounding 4-1 scoreline puts them in pole position to top the group. Luka Modric is a booking away from a suspension but should start in an unchanged line up.

For their part, Belgium are in disarray. Thiabout Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne haven’t spoken to each other for years, while reports have surfaced of a confrontation between De Bruyne, Jan Vertonghen, and Eden Hazard after the Morocco defeat. Amadou Onana is suspended for this game with Youri Tielemans the likely replacement.

WIN Croatia @ $2.65*

Group F – Canada v Morocco

Canada are a better team than their results suggest but they are in danger of joining Qatar as the nations to exit without a point. Coach John Herdsman must decide between Cyle Larin and Junior Hoilett for an attacking place; neither has taken their opportunities so far.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was replaced by Munir Mohamedi due to illness just before kick off as Morocco beat Belgium last time out. Coach Walid Regragui is expected to select the same 10 outfield players utilised in each of the first 2 games. Soufiane Boufal and Hakim Ziyech have been in very good form.

WIN Morocco @ $2*

Group E – Japan v Spain

A shellshocked Japan need to rebound with a positive result, and coach Hajime Moriyasu’s team selections have been heavily criticised. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Wataru Endo, and Hiroki Sakai are all injury doubts and there may be no place again for exciting attacker Takumi Minamino.

Young Spain star Gavi has missed training this week with a knock and he will probably be rested, along with Sergio Busquets who is close to a suspension. That opens the door for Koke, Carlos Soler and Marcos Llorente, while Alvaro Morata is pushing for a start up front having scored in each of the two games played.

WIN Spain @ $1.38*

Group E – Costa Rica v Germany

Costa Rica produced a bit of a shock when they beat Japan 1-0, thanks to their only shot on target of the tournament to date. Centre back Francisco Calvo is suspended following his booking in that game so Juan Pablo Vargas could replace him.

It’s win or go home for Germany who have just one point to their name so far. Leroy Sane was a welcome returnee from the bench against Spain, while striker Niclas Fullkrug comes into consideration for a start following his goal as a substitute. Thomas Muller could be the man to miss out.

WIN Germany @ $1.08*

*Odds correct as at 9am, 1st December 2022.

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