Belgium vs MoroccoBelgium vs Morocco

Belgium vs Morocco: As the brilliant age of Belgium faced off against the Achraf Hakimi-led Morocco in Group F of the FIFA World Cup 2022, the attention was on Ederzinho and the crew. In its 2nd stage encounter of the Qatar World Cup at the Al Thumama Stadium. The Atlas lions upstaged Roberto Martinez’s Belgian 2-0, pulling off yet again a monumental shock in the championship tournament.

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Courtois fails to save, (Picture Courtesy- Reuters)

The Red Devils were denied an initial spot in the FIFA World Cup playoff phase as a result of their 2-0 loss to Morocco. The Atlas Lions beat Belgium famously in Qatar with 2 strikes from Abdelhamid Sabiri and Abdelhamid Sabir. At the FIFA World Cup, this was red devil’s first setback to an African country.

Belgium vs Morocco: A big upset from the red devils

Belgium vs Morocco: De Bruyne is a master player analyzer and, as usual, he appeared to anticipate events before anybody else. Belgium was clumsy and lethargic, just like they were versus Canada in their first game, and they were severely penalized for it by the Atlas Lions who played with energy, daring, and talent.

State of conflict faces and sagging shoulders could be seen all around this aging Belgium squad. And their suffering was consistent with the squad’s overall despair. Considering the talent at Roberto Martinez’s command, the negative projections have been puzzling to listen to. But at Al Thumama Stadium it appeared immediately apparent why Belgium’s men believe they possess, in De Bruyne’s terms, “no possibility” of claiming the tournament.

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Lukaku upset after the result in Belgium vs Morocco, (Picture Courtesy- AFP)

Also, the enormous Thibaut Courtois, long considered the earth’s finest goalie, was staggering across his 6-yard box. For his initial mistake, the video assistant referee saved them. But after the interval, Abdelhamid Sabiri’s free-kick sneaked underneath his body, resulting in no saving him.

Belgium vs Morocco: Excellent play by Hakim Ziyech

Belgium vs Morocco: If there was one play that encapsulated the contrast between the two teams—Morocco being creative and ambitious, while the Belgian side dull and frail— indeed the brilliance Hakim Ziyech displayed in injury play. Timothy Castagne propelled hurtling toward Saudi Arabia by the Chelsea winger’s stepover. And Zakaria Aboukhlal was able to extend the atlas lion’s advantage thanks to the ensuing crossing.

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Hakim Ziyech in Belgium vs Morocco contest, (Picture Courtesy- Chelsea FC)

The gilded era in Belgium progressively lost its luster as time passes on. The lads acknowledge this to be accurate, with Eden Hazard saying that 4 seasons prior. The Red devils possesed their greatest opportunity to win a championship and that everyone who saw this game could witness their downfall. 7 of the initial 11 members are over thirty years old. 

Belgium vs Morocco: Hazard went on to disappoint

Belgium vs Morocco: Martinez claimed he thought he had to take Hazard off after an hour in decree to control the forward’s fitness as if to emphasize the point. On opponents, the Hazard from earlier times be unleashed. The risk of 2022 must be handled carefully.

Particularly, Hazard and De Bruyne had a total absence of the flair to expect from them. Hazard never established any rhythm in the contest, and De Bruyne struggled the entire time.

Eden Hazard during Belgium vs Morocco, (Picture Courtesy- Skysports)

By scoring 2 strikes in the 2nd part, Moroccans upset 2018 World Cup semifinals of Belgium with the best possible performance in their team career.

Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal, two substitutions, scored goals in the closing minutes. And Morocco thoroughly merited to triumph after putting up a valiant fight versus a weak Belgian team that yet again fell short of expectations for the “Great Age.”

The late brace distressed the Belgians

Belgium vs Morocco: At the conclusion of the initial half Hakim Ziyech had a chance disallowed for interference by VAR. After a free kick from a sharp distance escaped Thibault Courtois.

The goalkeeper for the Belgian side was again at blame for the opening goal. He was distracted by Romain Saiss at the left side but allowed the ball to slip past him.

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Moroccans celebrating their goal, (Picture Courtesy- Al Jazeera)

Even though there were many talented attackers on the field in the closing minutes. Belgium did nothing to trouble Morocco until Ziyech made a break for it on the right and fed Aboukhlal for the game-winning goal in stoppage time.

The Big Stage Awaits for the Moroccans

Belgium vs Morocco: The big stage awaits for the Moroccans. After playing Croatia and Belgium, the Atlas Lions, therefore have 4 out of a potential six pts. Walid Regragui’s team will next play the Canadian side. However, the Red Devils now have to defeat the Croatians in a matchup involving the runners-up and 3rd-place teams from last year. Which might also result in one or both teams leaving the game immediately.

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Zakaria celebrates after their win in Belgium vs Morocco contest, (Picture Courtesy- Al Jazeera)

If the Belgians had defeated the Moroccans. It might have become the 2nd side underneath the champion French side to make it to the round of 16. The 2018 World Cup title challenger Croatian side will be Belgium’s following opponent as it attempts to prevent its early exit. Belgium has now dropped from the top to 3rd in Group F.

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