2014 World Cup qualifier previews: Belgium v Croatia

Igor Stimac

Both Belgium and Croatia began their qualifying campaigns with victories, and one of them has the chance to assert their authority in Group A.

Croatia overcame Macedonia 1-0, with Nikica Jelavić scoring around 20 minutes from time to deliver all three points. Belgium on the other hand were comfortable 2-0 winners over Wales, having captain Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen to thank for the goals.

Now, both go head-to-head looking to take command of top spot in the group, which on goal difference is being occupied by Belgium at the moment.

Belgium are being tipped to become a tough European side, partly down to the fact that they have great talents in their team.

Ten of the 25 players in the current squad ply their trade in the Premier League, and for the past couple of years they have grown as a team, and have plenty of potential.

Whether they can fulfil that potential is another thing.

They were expected to come through their Euro 2012 qualifying group, but failed to secure a play-off spot, with Turkey pipping them to the post.

Belgium want to be at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and are out to get maximum points from their opening two games.

Croatia were at Euro 2012 and came close to reaching the quarter-finals, losing out to eventual champions Spain in their final group game.

Long gone is Slaven Bilić, with the managerial reins now the responsibility of Igor Štimac.

Štimac is well aware of the task in hand for his players, and having sent a scout to watch Belgium’s victory in Wales, he said: “The two goals were after a corner and a free kick. That means you clearly have problems creating chances. Our biggest competitor in this group is Belgium. I already said several times.

Belgium have taken on England and the Netherlands in recent friendlies, and Štimac believes Croatia are going to be in for a tough time.

“Based on the friendly games against England and the Netherlands that I have seen, it will not be an easy match,” said the boss. “I dare say that this Belgian team is the best ever. I predict for a fact that Belgium soon in the top ten of the Fifa rankings.”

The other countries in this group, Scotland and Serbia, played out a goalless draw at the weekend, and the Scots had goalkeeper Allan McGregor- now of Beşiktaş- to thank for saving them two points.

Scotland are at Hampden Park once again, this time taking on Macedonia, with Serbia facing Wales.

The Netherlands got off to a winning start against Turkey, but were rather fortunate to do so.

The Dutch press labelled it as a “lucky victory”, as Turkey should have won the match after missing so many clear cut chances, one from Arda Turan standing out early in the first half.

Robin van Persie and Luciano Narsingh grabbed a 2-0 win, and under Louis van Gaal once again are a changing side, showing they need time to gel together.

The Netherlands now face table topping Hungary, who beat the hapless Andorra 5-0.

Turkey will look to build on their impressive display against the Dutch by bagging three points in İstanbul against Estonia.

Portugal and Russia, both countries expected to come through Group F, face have Azerbaijan and Israel to deal with.

Germany only put three past the Faroe Islands (surprisingly), and face a tricky away trip to Austria, while Sweden begin their qualification campaign at home to Kazakhstan. Euro 2012 runners-up dropped two points away to Bulgaria, and hope to get the maximum on offer against Malta.

İsmail Vedat

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