When Belgium were beaten by France in their 2018 World Cup semi-final clash, there was some grumbling that the better team had lost and the so-called ‘golden generation’ had been robbed of their place in the final against Croatia.

Fast forward four years and Belgium will get the chance to show what they might have been against the Croats in a Group F encounter at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Thursday.

Croatia are at the top, level on four points with Morocco and a point clear of Belgium, who are third. Belgium, ranked second in the world, must win to guarantee their place in the last-16. Croatia need only a point to ensure they will remain in Qatar beyond the group stage.

Roberto Martinez’s side have been among the most disappointing of the favourites so far, with a narrow win over Canada and a 2-0 defeat to Morocco, leading to questions about whether this generation of gold has lost its lustre.

Eden Hazard’s lack of playing time at Real Madrid this season, where he has started in only one La Liga game, has left him searching for match sharpness. Striker Romelu Lukaku, who came on in the 81st minute against Morocco, is another who is not up to speed.

While riots in the streets of Brussels broke out after the loss to Morocco, frictions within the Belgium camp had allegedly emerged with recent reports claiming Lukaku had to intervene to break up a postmatch dressing room bust-up between Kevin De Bruyne and Jan Vertonghen.

Martinez, though, pointed more to psychological aspects than physical after the loss to Morocco. “We have to stay together now and become stronger. I know this group. We will be ready for Croatia,” he said.

Croatia’s tournament also began with a lifeless performance against Morocco but they looked far sharper in Sunday’s 4-1 win over Canada, with Andrej Kramaric’s brace dispelling doubts about whether they lack a cutting edge upfront.

The Balkan nation has not beaten Belgium since the 1-0 friendly win in 2010, but spirits are high and the Luka Modrics and Ivan Perisics will certainly be confident of capitalising on the Belgians’ current form. A draw would see the Croats over the line, but coach Zlatko Dalic ruled out playing for such a scenario. “There are no easy games at the World Cup. Belgium need a win, but we will also aim for full points,” he said.

(With Reuters inputs)