It could be a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire for Belgium as they gear up for a stern test against Morocco after scraping a victory over Canada in their tournament opener.
One of the main reasons Belgium faced so much trouble against Canada was the pace of the Canadian wingers and fullbacks, especially Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies. The centre-backs of Belgium's Golden Generation are not so young anymore, and they had to repeatedly be bailed out by imperious goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Against Canada, at least Belgium could rely on the vast majority of attacks coming down the right side, as Davies carried most of the creative burden. Belgium will not be able to take such luxuries against Morocco, who boast the twin threats of Soufiane Boufal and Achraf Hakimi.
In the match between Morocco and Croatia, Boufal and Hakimi were both in sterling form and played crucial roles in an entertaining draw. Croatia's midfield axis of Modric and Kovacic can split apart any defence, but the marauding runs from the Moroccan duo ensured that the Croatians had to spend much more time defending than attacking.
Belgium still goes into the tie against Morocco as favourites as the European nation boasts a star-studded squad and is the number two ranked side in the world as per FIFA. They have a quality striker in Michy Batshuayi, and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne can create a goal from almost nothing.
However, if either of Toby Alderweireld or Jan Vertonghen are caught out position, it could spell disaster for Belgium. A simple ball over the top, and they are about as likely to catch Boufal and Hakimi as I am to catch a Ferrari.
