World Cup Day 4 – LIVE: Morocco 0-0 Croatia, Germany vs Japan, Spain vs Costa Rica, Belgium vs Canada
It’s time for day four of the 2022 World Cup, and we have some big-hitters ready to take to the international stage today.
We kick off with 2018 runners-up Croatia facing Morocco as Zlatko Dalic’s golden generation go in search of tournament glory one last time.
Later on, Germany take on Japan looking to make amends after a disappointing couple of international tournaments, while Spain go toe-to-toe with Costa Rica.
Wednesday’s action wraps up with Canada, making their first World Cup appearance since 1986, facing off against Belgium.
Live text
17′ – PERISIC GOES CLOSE
Morocco have started slightly brighter but Croatia have had the first half-chance through Ivan Perisic, whose shot from distance just goes over the top.
0′ – KICK OFF
We’re underway at the Al Bayt Stadium! We’ll have live updates for you here…
Preview
The only way for Croatia to better their last World Cup appearance will be to win the whole thing.
Morocco (or otherwise known by their cool nickname, the Atlas Lions) aren’t many people’s to get out of the group, but a fast start against the tournament’s most recent runners-up could put the world on notice.
Croatia’s key players remain their wily veteran core featuring the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic. Morocco, meanwhile, have opted to recall Hakim Ziyech into the national setup.
Preview
Germany begin their search for a joint-record fifth world title with a showdown against Japan at 1pm.
Hansi Flick becomes the first man not named Joachim Low to lead Die Nationalelf at a major tournament since Jurgen Klinsmann at the 2006 World Cup on home soil.
His first task is to navigate a Japan outfit which have been tipped as dark horses should either Germany or Spain flatter to deceive in Group E.
Preview
Luis Enrique’s Spain square off against Costa Rica in Wednesday’s third match.
Los Ticos have actually been to a World Cup quarter-final more recently than La Roja, but know very well this is a match in which they will see little of the ball.
Spain will take some heart in knowing they were a penalty shootout away from reaching last summer’s Euro 2020 final and they head to Qatar with a slightly stronger squad.
Preview
A veteran Belgium side play relative newcomers in Canada to round off Wednesday’s action.
Roberto Martinez’s men still boast some old favourites who bring plenty of experience, and are expected to make life difficult for John Herdman’s charges in Les Rouges‘ first World Cup in 36 years.