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Group A preview: Wilmots warns Hazard

16 October 2012-PA Sport

Eden Hazard has been told he needs to tighten up defensively if he wants to continue playing a starring role for Belgium ahead of Tuesday evening's (Wednesday morning AEDT) 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Scotland.

Belgium may top Group A after thumping Serbia 3-0, but coach Marc Wilmots was unsatisfied by the way the Chelsea playmaker performed without the ball.

"I spoke to Eden after the game," Wilmots said.

"On Friday I had to move him away from the centre and put him out on the flank to restore the balance in the centre with Nacer Chadli, Mousa Dembele and Axel Witsel.

"Eden should know that, in football today, changing from defence to attack and from attack to defence are essential.

"But I support him. Step by step, we will get there."

Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor has refused to give up hope of salvaging its campaign by beating group favourite Belgium.

Craig Levein's side heads into the clash in Brussels second from bottom in the table after last week's 2-1 defeat to Wales.

"Obviously qualifying has become more difficult now but we can't give up and we need to look forward to the Belgium game with belief that we can take something from them," McGregor said.

Breathing down the necks of Belgium is second-place Croatia, which is separated from top spot only by goal difference.

Coach Igor Stimac has been using his official Facebook page to gather advice from supporters on who should be in his squad against Wales.

"I am opening a discussion regarding Tuesday's match against Wales," he wrote

"What is your ideal team for that match? What system would you apply against Wales? 4-3-3? Bring it on!"

Striker Steve Morison believes Wales can face Croatia with renewed optimism thanks to the win over Scotland.

Chris Coleman's side fought back from behind to claim its first victory of the World Cup qualifying campaign in Cardiff thanks to a late double from Gareth Bale.

"We are going to Croatia off the back of a win will make it a little bit easier," Morison said.

"We have only played three games. There are a lot of games to go.

"We've got to play everyone again so if we can go on a run, you never know what might happen."

FYR Macedonia will be hoping to secure the first win of its Group A campaign when it hosts Serbia.

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