Third and finalists of the last World Cup, Belgians and Croats necessarily have great ambitions on the eve of Euro 2020. Three years after their formidable career in the Russian world, the two selections have bet on continuity.
Same coaches, same executives
In office since 2016, the Spaniard Roberto Martinez has made Belgium go from simple outsider to favorite. First in the FIFA rankings, the Red Devils rely on executives already present in 2018. Of the 26 players called up by Roberto Martinez for Euro 2020, 18 were part of the Russian adventure three years earlier. Apart from Vincent Kompany, retired and Marouane Fellaini who retired internationally, historical executives such as Eden Hazard, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Lukaku… are present.
Unhappy finalist of the last world, Croatia is still coached by Zltako Dalic.
The latter has also trusted 11 of the finalists of the 2018 World Cup. The former Monegasque Danijel Subasic has retired and Mario Mandzukic has been in international retirement since the end of the World Cup.
Like the Belgians, historical executives like Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, or Dejan Lovren are in the group.
Since 2018 ...
Belgium has maintained its course for 3 years.
Apart from a stinging defeat against Switzerland in the 2018-2019 Nations League (5-2), the Red Devils easily qualified for the Euro by winning their ten qualifying matches with an accounting record of 40 goals scored for 3 cashed.
In addition, Belgium has ensured its qualification for the semi-finals of the League of Nations that they will play against France, next October.
If Croatia secured its ticket for the Euro without too many worries, it did not however shine in the League of Nations.
In a tough group with France, Portugal and Sweden, the checkered jersey team have lost five of their six matches in the tournament and remain on a mediocre draw against Armenia (1-1), the 1st last june.
Just like France or Portugal, Belgium arrives at the Euro with clearly a favorite costume, especially since the formidable Belgian golden generation is starting to age and that it wishes to bring a first title in the flat country.
Despite their status as finalists of the last world and with high-level players, Croatia is more like a tough outsider that we should be wary of.
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