Tricky night for heavyweights
When Belgium were beaten by France in their 2018 World Cup semifinal 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 might have been against the Croats in a Group F encounter on Thursday that may lack the prestige of the tournament's showpiece finale but remains an acutely important game for both sides.
The group is finely balanced.
Croatia are top, level on four points with Morocco and a point clear of Belgium with three, while bottom side Canada's hopes have already been extinguished.
Belgium, ranked second in the world, must win to guarantee their place in the last 16, while 2018 runners-up Croatia need only a point to ensure they will remain in Qatar beyond the group stage.
Meanwhile, an invigorated Moroccan team will be seeking to reach the knockout stage for the first time in nearly four decades by defeating or drawing with Canada in their final Group F match.
Morocco recorded their first World Cup win since 1998 by defeating second-ranked Belgium 2-0 on Sunday, sparking euphoria among players, wild celebrations among fans - and even riots in Brussels.
In their final group stage test, the Moroccans will play Canada, who will be looking to bag their first win in the tournament's history after being eliminated from their first World Cup in 36 years.
A win or draw would help Morocco to their first appearance in the round of 16 of since 1986. If Canada prevail, Morocco will need Belgium to beat Croatia in the other Group F match, with the goal difference determining if they or the 2018 runners-up advance.
Wounded Germany will, meanwhile, have their backs to the wall when they take on Costa Rica in their final World Cup Group E match and know they must bag their first win of the tournament, preferably by a large margin, to have any chances of advancing.
The Germans are bottom of the group having gained only one point from their two matches so far, raising the spectre of another first-round exit following their early elimination in Russia four years ago.
Even victory over the Costa Ricans may not be enough, and Germany will be looking to Spain to inflict defeat on Japan to open the door to the next round.
Spain top the group on four points ahead of Japan and Costa Rica, both on three.
Four-times world champions Germany will be hoping to score a bagful of goals against Costa Rica, who had just one shot on target in their two matches.
A win over Costa Rica coupled with victory for Spain will see Germany advance but a draw between Luis Enrique's side and the Japanese, or even a win for Japan, would bring goal difference in to play.
Spain and Japan made better starts than most at the World Cup but fans of both will approach their final group match with their calculators out, still uncertain whether their teams will be staying on in Qatar after Thursday.
Spain are in much the stronger position at the top of one of the toughest groups in the tournament having followed up their opening 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica with a 1-1 draw with Germany in a battle of former champions.
A draw at Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday would ensure Luis Enrique's team of a spot in the last 16, while a win would secure top spot in the group.