Rundown on Thursday’s four World Cup matches

Here’s a look at Thursday’s World Cup matches:

Group F

Croatia vs. Belgium, 10 a.m., Fox

Belgium, a semifinalist in 2018, has looked over the hill in this World Cup, and midfielder Kevin de Bruyne’s comments in The Guardian calling the team “too old” have become a lightning rod. The Red Devils still can get through to the Round of 16, though, and can even win the group. If they beat Croatia, they will advance, and could top the group depending on what Morocco does against Canada. A draw would leave Belgium dependent on a Canada win and goal differential to get through. Croatia would be in with a win or draw, and could win the group depending on Morocco’s result.

Morocco vs. Canada, 10 a.m., FS1

This one is a little more straightforward. Canada already has been eliminated, but Morocco can still get through. To do that, it needs a win or a draw. A Morocco win combined with a draw or a Croatia win in the other game would win the group for Morocco. The Moroccans can also advance with a loss, should Croatia also win or if Croatia and Belgium draw and the margin stays under four goals. A win by the Canadians would be their first ever at the World Cup.

Group E

Japan vs. Spain, 2 p.m., Fox

All four teams in this group still have a chance to qualify, so this is the window to watch. A win or draw would guarantee Spain passage, and a loss would be survivable, unless Costa Rica beats Germany. Japan can advance with a draw, depending on the result of Costa Rica-Germany: The Japanese would need Germany to win or draw, and the goal differential to go in their favor. A win would automatically secure qualification for Japan, a loss would automatically eliminate it.

Germany vs. Costa Rica, 2 p.m., Fox

The Germans are in the most jeopardy here. Not only do they need a win, but also they need a draw or a victory by Spain in the other game in order to advance. Costa Rica, would be in with a win and out with a loss. If Costa Rica were to draw, then it almost certainly would need Spain to beat Japan, although if Japan won by more than 13 goals, then Los Ticos would survive a draw. It might be more advisable, though, to simply win.