Group F: Team previews and breakdowns

If you're a fan but don't like to root for the obvious favorites and like to watch teams that casual soccer fans might not know too well, then this is your group which I'm dubbing the hipster group.

While Belgium and Croatia reached the semifinals 4 years ago, this time around it seems their Golden Generations are already past their prime but they continue to perform and surprise us all.

While the underdogs Canada and Morocco have good and intriguing players and their styles are a good fit to put the favorites to the test.

BELGIUM

4 Years ago it seemed that that was the last opportunity for Belgium to potentially win its first ever World Cup, but fell short to eventual champions France in the semifinals.

Despite the obvious decline of some of its players, most of the core continues to play at a high-level in addition to young players that have began to make their way into the team.

Team philosophy: The Red Devils have recently been playing with a 5-2-3. This setup allow their full backs to join the attack, while the backline is getting older it remains a solid group.

They also have two quality central midfielders - but their success will largely be determined by how well Kevin De Bruyne plays and if Romelu Lukaku can get the crucial goals for the team.

One concern is Eden Hazard who has hardly seen the field at Real Madrid, but despite the lack of minutes he is still expected to be a starter for Roberto Martinez, if he finds form he could be a big boost for the team.

Players to watch: KEVIN DE BRUYNE, as I just mentioned he is the key for the team, but I'm also intrigued by the midfield with Axel Witsel and Youri Tielemans and how well the full backs - which in the past has been an area of concern - will perform this time around.

Also at the back 19-year old Zeno Debast from Anderlecht has been starting a lot of the most recent games and will be intriguing if he can do well in the biggest stage.

Weakness: Eden Hazard's lack of minutes. No matter how good you are, if you're not getting playing time it's hard to be in form, especially at the top level. While Hazard has the highest ceiling among players that can play in that position, personally I would much rather see his brother Thorgan, Yannick Carrasco, Jermemy Doku or Leandro Trossard in that position.

Options off the bench: At midfield Leander Dendoncker and Charles de Ketelaere as an offensive midfielder are great options.

Up front you still got veterans that can help with goals like Dries Mertens and Michy Batshuayi. Belgium's depth comes at the wings with players that I've already mentioned like Thorgan Hazard, Carrasco, Doku, Torossard, Lois Openda.

Expectations: Belgium has the deepest team in this group and should finish first, however they will most likely play Spain or Germany in the Round of 16 and both are very capable of beating Belgium. So at the very least winning the group, and anything past quarter-finals will be good enough.

CANADA

Here comes another dark horse candidate - while it may be getting colder this is no time for Hockey. Canada is making its return to the World Cup for the first time in 36 years and they do so with a lot of young players that helped the team finish at the top of the Concacaf qualifying ahead of the U.S. and Mexico.

Just like they came to disrupt the order in Concacaf, they have now arrived to do the same at the World Cup.

Team's Philosophy: The team has played with a 4-3-3 but in some of its most recent games it has adopted a 5-3-2 - which could make sense, with the higher quality they'll face, it may be a smart move to shore up defensively.

This is how they could line-up:

One thing to keep in mind is that while Alphonso Davies plays as a left back for Bayern Munich, he tends to play in the attack for Canada. Davies began his career as a left winger for the Vancouver Whitecaps. In some of the recent games he has also played as an attacking midfielder.

Don't be surprised if Davies and David reverse roles.

Players to watch: In addition to Davies, Steven Vitoria is key at the back, Stephen Eustaquio in the middle is a crucial link between the defense and the attack, and Jonathan David and Cyle Larin are the goal-scoring threats.

Weakness: Even as the team has improved defensively it remains the biggest concern.

Options off the bench: Mark-Anthony Kaye, Liam Fraser, Tajon Buchanan, Lucas Cavallini, Jonathan Osorio.

Expectations: Qualifying is already an accomplishment, but for it to come full circle they need to get something in the tournament.

Their goal is to get points, even a win and be competitive in every game. While they have potential to surprise and advance, their the third most talented team in the group behind Croatia and Belgium.

MOROCCO

They are a disciplined team that comes from leaving a good impression on 2018, where they arguably played better in all three games but only were able to obtain a single point.

Now this is a more mature team that have more experience and a more defined style..

Team's Philosophy: Morocco most often play with a 4-3-3 - the best and most dynamic players typically play on either end of the field. Morocco will try to keep their tactical shape and will concede ball possession and try to create danger on the counter, with speed on the wings and on set pieces..

Here is how they could line-up:

Even though they are a strong team defensively, their main strength is their full backs.

Players to watch: Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri.

Weakness: The midfield, while the team still has capable players in that position it's definitely their strength.

Options off the bench: up front Abde Ezzalzouli from Osasuna, and Nayef Aguerd at the back seem to be the best non-starting options.

Expectations: Morocco may not have enough quality to advance, but they should be expected to compete and be involved in three tough and tight games. For them to be able to win games ZIyech and En-Nesyri need to be clinical in the final third. If they don't advance getting one win should be the target.

CROATIA

After reaching the 2018 World Cup Final with a very talented generation of players - many expected Croatia go on a decline after that but in recent months the team has found new life in younger players while some of its biggest stars have remained playing at a very high-level.

Team's philosophy: Like several teams in this Group - Croatia likes using a 4-3-3, unlike Morocco the magic for Croatia starts with its midfield finding lanes to exploit open space to allow its attackers to create goal-scoring opportunities.

This is how they could line-up:

Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Rakitic, Subasic may no longer be part of the team but Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic still make an impeccable midfield.

Some of the new blood for this team is on the defensive side and up front a there is a lot of experience and quality.

Players to watch: The Midfield three - Other than that Ivan Perisic on the wing will be a key on how successful Croatia can be and when it comes to the new blood the center back pair of JoskoGvardiol and Josip Sutalo will be worth watching.

Weakness: The backline doesn't have a lot of experience and don't be surprised if players like Dejan Lovren start to bring that experience to the back line, another concern is that there is not a lot of speed in the back, and they will be put to the test especially against Belgium and Canada.

Options off the bench: Lovren if he doesn't start. Nicola Vlasic who can play as an attacking midfielder or winger, and Mario Pasalic another winger are interesting options that may not get the start.

Expectations: Croatia is talented enough to advance to the second round, but probably that is about their ceiling. However if they struggle from the start they could open the door for Canada or Morocco to have a chance at advancing.