World Cup: Belgium oust Brazil to set up semifinal clash with France
By Orri Benatar
Belgium’s golden generation has made their first major stamp by beating Brazil and making the World Cup semifinals.
Belgium’s 2-1 quarterfinal win over Brazil puts the Red Devils into their second-ever World Cup semifinal. The win marks the arrival and biggest win during this golden generation of Belgian talent. Belgium moves on to Saint Petersburg for a date with rivals France for a spot in their first-ever World Cup final.
https://twitter.com/BelRedDevils/status/1015322942895546374
Roberto Martinez had his eleven switch between three-at-the-back and four defenders. Jan Vertonghen moved left and Thomas Meunier stayed at right back while Brazil was in possession. As Belgium went forward, Meunier pushed up and Vertonghen went back to the center. This worked as Brazil were unable to penetrate for many open shots.
Besides Martinez’s managerial decisions, many others things became a lot clearer after Belgium’s win over the five-time world champions.
KCB, Lukaku, and Hazard are the best front three combo in the world
Pretty remarkable to think that these three could have been playing for the same country and the same club. Thanks to Jose Mourinho, they only suit up together for Belgium and not Chelsea. These three have a symmetry unmatched by any other attack force in world football.
Eden Hazard stayed on his feet and ran through the middle of the field with ease as he found Lukaku for outside passes. Lukaku was always on the same page with Kevin De Bruyne, who took advantage of Lukaku’s intentions to have the Brazilian wingbacks track with him and open up Meunier or Chadli for open crosses.
De Bruyne’s goal was a thing of beauty and something we are accustomed to seeing so frequently in the Premier League when he plays for Manchester City. These three are now totally in-sync and is the biggest reason Belgium is a final four team in Russia.
Thibaut Courtois must be considered a top-three goalkeeper
Courtois had the best and biggest game of his career against Brazil, making eight saves to avoid a draw or a loss. Courtois showed off his incredible wingspan during his saves. He also was confident of where he wanted the ball to go whenever he did save it. Instead of second-guessing himself mid-save, he was punching and tipping the ball out of bounds almost every time. He was my personal Man of the Match for this contest.
https://twitter.com/abdulamemon/status/1015324311673024512
Can Belgium make the final?
Yes. The key against France on Tuesday will be the midfield. N’Golo Kante will be harassing De Bruyne and Hazard and will likely win a lot of 50/50 balls. Martinez should probably stick to the decision of starting Fellaini in the middle with Witsel. The best way to beat France is to win 50/50’s against Kante and get Pogba out of the game. No prediction yet from me. The European neighbors will put on a show for a spot in the final.