FIFA World Cup 2022: The last round of games for Groups E and F are about to begin, and Day 12 of the tournament will feature some thrilling games and legendary on-field refereeing teams.
Croatia’s match against Belgium starts in Group Fin Group F is Croatia’s match against Belgium, followed by Canada’s championship finale versus Morocco. Later on, Group E takes center stage with everything still up for grabs as Japan takes on Spain and Costa Rica goes off against Germany. In the latter match, a squad of all-female referees will officiate a men’s FIFA World Cup game for the first time in history.
F Group
Belgium vs. Croatia, 8:30 IST
A disappointing first-round exit from a group Belgium was predicted to win looms over the nation. The situation appears to have changed, as Croatia, who finished first in their group, only needs to avoid defeat to advance, but a victory would be preferable.
The most difficult test for Belgium will come while there appears to be animosity in the locker room among veteran players like Kevin de Bruyne, Jan Vertonghen, Thibaut Courtois, and Eden Hazard, according to sources.
At 8:30 IST, the game will take place at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Morocco vs. Canada at 8:30 IST
With Morocco as its opponent, Canada concludes the first men’s FIFA World Cup in 36 years despite having already been knocked out of the tournament. Morocco, who is tied with Croatia in points but trailing them in goal differential (GD), is predicted to start as the clear favorite.
The game begins at 8:30 IST at the Al Thumama Stadium.
E Group
Spain vs. Japan at 12:30 IST
Each side in Group E has a decent chance of moving on to the next round, so there is everything to play for.
Spain made a big impression by defeating Costa Rica 7-0 in its opening match. However, it struggled against Germany and gave up a late equalizer, dropping 2 points and missing out on securing a spot in the Round of 16. Even yet, it still has a great chance of moving on to the next round because it faces off against the Asian powerhouse as the favorite. A strong GD (+7) is another factor working in its favour. The team led by Luis Enrique will hope that their fellow Europeans defeat Costa Rica if it loses against Japan.
Spain needs only a draw to advance.
Japan, meanwhile, must avoid losing in order to have a chance to advance in the competition. A victory will ensure Japan’s place in the Round of 16, but if it draws with Spain, Germany must defeat Costa Rica, although by a slim margin.
At 12:30 IST, the game will take place at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Germany vs. Costa Rica at 12:30 IST
For the first time in the history of the sport, an all-woman refereeing trio will oversee a men’s FIFA World Cup match in this crucial contest. In addition to defeating the South Americans, Germany, which is facing back-to-back first-round elimination, will also need to pray that Spain defeats Japan. It will go if it draws or loses.
Costa Rica, meanwhile, bounced back from its embarrassing loss in the first game by defeating Japan 1-0 in the subsequent contest. No matter what occurs between Japan and Spain, the team only needs to win to qualify.