Croatia vs Belgium October 11, 2013

Belgium have one of the most exciting lineups in world football at the moment. And a draw against Croatia in Zagreb on Friday night, will give all those gifted footballers to showcase their ability in the greatest possible platform - the FIFA World Cup.

Group A is under Belgium's control, with Croatia's shock 1-0 defeat to Scotland in June denting their hopes of finishing first in the group. Croatia will finish at least second in Group A, nevertheless, and currently lie five points behind leaders Belgium.

A win for the hosts on Friday will make the group interesting again, with the Belgians then needing to win their final game to ensure they do not have to book their tickets to Brazil via the playoffs.

However, getting all three points against Belgium is easier said than done, with Marc Wilmots' men so far enjoying a near-perfect qualifying campaign with seven wins and a draw in eight matches.

Croatia vs Belgium October 11, 2013


Christian Benteke and Vincent Kompany miss out through injury, while Arsenal skipper Thomas Vermaelen is a slight doubt for Belgium. Moussa Dembele could also be ruled out after suffering an injury in training, while Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini is set to feature in spite of a wrist injury.

Croatia will be without defender Josip Simunic who is suspended.

Croatia: Pletikosa; Srna, Lovren, Corluka, Strinic; Rakitic, Modric, Kovacic; Eduardo, Mandzukic, Olic.

Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Lombaerts; Witsel, Fellaini, Defour; De Bruyne, Lukaku, Hazard.

Prediction: 2-1 to Belgium

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