Europe big boys in action as Belgium, Croatia, Spain and Germany get their World Cup campaign underway

Saudi Arabia’s shocking win over Argentina. Consecutive goalless draws which saw Guillermo Ochoa kept out a Robert Lewandowski’s penalty and Tunisia got a point against Denmark and last, France rubbishing the defending Champions curse.

Those were the headlines of yesterday's day three games and more surprises unfolded in Qatar, finally getting fans into that FIFA World Cup spirit.

Today, actions continue with European countries in action against their opponents from the other continents like Africa, Asia and North America.

Group E

Germany vs Japan

Second kickoff of today, Germany lock horns with one of the tournament’s dark horses, Japan.

Knowing fully well how it ended the last time they faced an Asian nation in this competition over four years ago in Russia, Germany will be wary and rightly so because Japan have the football as well as the quality to hurt any side in the group.

Nonetheless, Hansi Flick's side head into the contest as favourites and will be looking to start with a good impression in Qatar to make up for the group stage elimination in the previous edition.

The Germans are not in great form heading into this match but the importance of a major competition can't be overemphasized, and their performance is expected to level up at the Khalifa international Stadium this afternoon.

Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané and Serge Gnabry will be their main threat up front while Japan also boast the likes of Takumi Minamino, Daichi Kamada and midfielder, Wataru Endo.

It promises to be an interesting clash that could very early decide the fate of either of the sides in Qatar, mostly that of Japan so both will know, it is better to start very early and avoid late heartbreak.

Spain vs Costa Rica

In the penultimate kickoff of today, coming right after Germany’s meeting with Japan, Luis Enrique’s Spain take on Costa Rica.

The group E rivals are completely two different nation football wise, with Spain blessed with a host of young and exciting players while their opponent continues to look up to players in the later stages of their career for inspiration.

For experience, Spain can call on the likes of Jordi Alba, Dani Carvajal, Sergio Busquets and César Azpilicueta, all players who have represented the country in the tournament before.

There is also Alvaro Morata, who is the active top scorer for the country and has been with the national team since 2014 and Marco Asensio who is currently the most assist provider since the appointment of Luis Enrique.

There are also loads of talented youngsters, like Pedri, Gavi, Ansu Fati, Yeremi Pino, Nico Williams. At the same time, players like Rodri, Dani Olmo, Marco Llorente and Carlos Soler offers depth from the bench most times.

They can easily penetrate any opposition to create chances because they most times enjoy the better share of possession and for Costa Rica, it is going to be a long day of chasing nonetheless the outcome of the match.

Character, pressing and agility must be at its peak for them to get anything in a match against a very compact and highly technical side like Spain.

Their four games unbeaten run heading into this might serve as confident boost but will have no influence in the outcome of the match, if Spain takes the game to them and they allow the 2010 champions effectively carry out their game plan.

Group F

Morocco vs Croatia

More like the clash between Tunisia and Denmark yesterday, 2018 finalist, Croatia get their campaign underway in a tricky clash with North African side, Morrocco.

Luka Modric and his teammates will be looking for a win to extend their winning run to six, which will be very unlikely if they don't make it because heading into this clash, they have everything going their way.

No reported injury casualties hence, coach Zlatko Dalic gets to field his favourite starters as they try to establish an early advantage in the group, knowing there is Belgium, who many considers the best in the group.

Walid Regragui’s Atlas Lions are also not weakened heading into the first kickoff of today and are as well unbeaten in their last five, winning four including a 3-0 win over Georgia just last week.

With players like Yassine Bonou, Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat and Hakim Ziyech, it is not limited what damage they can do as their best legs are spread across every section of the pitch.

It is worth anticipating, how their midfield fare against the trio of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic because that is where the game is most likely to be won and lost.

Belgium vs Canada

In the last kickoff of the day, Belgium battles Canada at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Ar Rayyan.

It is a must-win match for both sides and favourites, Belgium, who finished third in the last edition in Russia will be eyeing maximum points to announce their return and the intention to do much better.

On a run of back-to-back loses, the time is now or never for the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois to step up for their country as their golden generation is already heading for exile.

Romelu Lukaku will miss the opening game for the European nation while Alphonso Davies will also be absent for the Canadian, who can well rely on the brilliance of Jonathan David and the experience of Junior Hoilett.

Roberto Martinez’s Belgium should be able to get the three points or hell will break loose because their next two games will present tougher challenge than they'll face against Canada.

Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi