Hazard and De Bruyne’s central dominance helps Belgium see their highest ever finish in a World Cup
The World Cup third place play-off, a friendly for some of the nations, an opportunity of a medal for others. An England Vs Belgium rematch after their phony war in the group stages took place in Saint Petersburg after both crashed out in the semi final against Croatia and France respectively. Belgium fielded a standard starting eleven, good enough for the occasion, while England manager Gareth Southgate made 5 changes to his regular starting lineup.
Roberto Martinez continued chopping and changing with his setup as Belgium shifted into a 3–4–2–1 with Hazard and De Bruyne as two numbers 10s, reminiscent of the Wales team at Euro 2016. On the other side, Delph who replaced Dele Alli had a more defensive role in support of Eric Dier, and with Sterling drifting to the left side England were much more a 3–4–3. Belgium’s defensive approach of keeping De Bruyne in the center with Hazard and Lukaku wide pressing the center backs continued, however this time not to attack the space behind the defensive line, rather possibly to keep De Bruyne in a central position in case of any offensive transition. Meunier managed to open the scoring as he and Chadli got the better of Trippier and a sleepy Danny Rose, which was quite ironic considering Belgium’s main play for the rest of the half depended on the central zone rather than the wings.
Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, Belgium’s top stars and their best performers this tournament played more of a number 10 role, with them drifting into channels either alone, or together to create overloads, in addition to Tielemans advancing in the right channel to provide another passing option as Delph dropped to assist Dier in midfield. Belgium could have increased their lead as Hazard and De Bruyne combined on the left hand side to put Lukaku on goal, but a poor first touch made it easy for Pickford to pick it up. The duo combined more than once, and caused problem for the English defence, but their shots were mainly blocked.
England meanwhile only managed 10 minutes of pressure with Delph their main option for ball progression on the left channel, however the lack of options for Sterling and Loftus-Cheek in the final third, and Belgium’s defensive compactness meant that England’s only chance came from a Dier long ball which Sterling took down and set up Kane who scuffed the shot. England were in need of changes when the half time whistle came, and unlike the Croatia game, Southgate decided to change things, bringing on Rashford and Lingard for Rose and Sterling, with Delph going back to left wing back and England resorting back to their standard 3–3–2–2 shape. The changes were positive as England’s best performer on the day, Ruben Loftus-Cheek had more assistance by Rashford dropping into the right channel, and Trippier advancing on the wing while providing more balls for Loftus-Cheek. Set Pieces were the usual suspects for England, but their nearest chance to equalize came when Dier combined with Rashford in the right channel, then chipped Courtois for only his club teammate Toby Alderweireld to clear the ball off the line.
Lukaku who wasn’t on his day after missing another chance after a poor first touch was replaced by Dries Mertens whose task was to attack the space vacated by Kieran Trippier, Mertens positioned on the left side of attack next to Hazard waiting to be fed on the offensive transition. Belgian counter attacks all went through this space, and the winger turned forward had a chance to double the lead but failed due to poor finishing, then a silky counter attack between Hazard, De Bruyne and Mertens nearly gave us the goal of the tournament, only for Meunier’s first time volley to be denied by an equivalent wonderful save from Pickford. Belgium finally managed to double the scoreline as De Bruyne slipped Hazard through on goal, for the Belgian captain to slot it home, 2–0 the match finished.
Belgium’s performance during this World Cup proved how good this side is with a decent manager, Martinez managed to get the best out of Hazard and De Bruyne, showing tactical flexibility, and providing Belgium with their highest ever finish. As for England, they aren’t the finished article yet, but the amount of work put in by Southgate and the squad shows huge sign of positivity for the future.
