Belgium, it says, are the second best team in the world after Brazil. They have been in the top two of the Fifa rankings for over four years. You wouldn't have known it from their opening game against Canada on Wednesday. Belgium senescent side average age 30.5, the highest in the competition so far looked, well, old, and endured a pretty uncomfortable night. They also won 1 -- 0. That is still the most important thing in an age of xG, hot takes and style entitlement. The result was another reminder that what age taketh you get, experience giveth.
Another victory against Morocco would put Belgium into the last 16 with a game to spare. Morocco played pretty well in their 0 - 0 draw against Croatia, but it was another World Cup game without a victory. Their last was against Scotland, which gives you an idea of how long it has been. It is surprising to know that Morocco has only won two games at the World Cup, given the enduring impression made by the teams of 1986 and 1998. This would be a good time for a third.
Kickoff is 1 pm GMT, 4 pm in Al Thumama, 2 pm in Brussels and Rabat.