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The World Cup 2018 continues to throw up surprises even as the end is in sight. This edition has had many excitable moments, from 30-yard screamers that will remain in our collective memories for a long time to come, to the most inexplicable own goals scored in World cup history.
To make matters more interesting, VAR has added a new sense of unpredictability and drama, leading to several nerve-racking moments for the fans, as they wait with baited breath for technology to now have a very direct and telling contribution towards the result of the game.
As the semi-final approaches, the clash to look out for undoubtedly is France vs Belgium. The final four at this edition has an unfamiliar feel to it, with a couple unexpected names like Croatia and Belgium looking to set new standards by reaching the World Cup Finals for the first time in their respective histories.
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Let us take a look at why Belgium stands a real chance of getting past France and into the Final.
#3 Flexibility
This Belgium team knows how to win when it matters most, as evidenced by their 23 games unbeaten streak. They can demolish opposition by playing slick, creative football like against Tunisia and are also happy to grind out results with determination and directness witnessed in their game against Japan and to some extent in Brazil.
Against Brazil, Belgium went some way to announce their arrival on the big stage. The big names for Belgium certainly delivered on the big night, with Hazard, Lukaku and De Bruyne, all putting in impressive displays to lead their team to the quarterfinals.
Belgium switched formations by employing two defensive midfielders in Fellaini and Witsel, freeing up more space for De Bruyne to cause mayhem in the opposition territory. With Lukaku playing more as a winger, Belgium certainly surprised Brasil and fans alike with this unfamiliar switch.
During the first half, Brazil’s defence was stretched wide with Hazard and Lukaku employed on the flanks which enabled De Bruyne to run in all sorts of free space and control the tempo of the game. Belgium like to attack by bringing their wing-backs into play. Both Carrasco and Meunier are very adept at going forward and stretch the opposition back line.
This allows Hazard and Mertens to drift inside and link up play with Lukaku to devastating effect. Belgium essentially attacks with five men going forward and De Bruyne controlling the tempo from midfield.
Against Brazil, however, Martinez switched things up to great effect. Marcelo has a tendency to play more like a winger than a defender. As a result, Brazil was effectively using a 3 man back line who often found themselves chasing shadows when Belgium went on the counter.
De Bruyne, having been given the license to have an impact on the game going forward, constantly exploited the free space afforded to him and made devastating runs and displayed his range of passing, reminding the world of his ability at the biggest stage of all.
The strength, pace and power of Lukaku, saw him brush past several defenders before squaring up De Bruyne, who took his shot expertly to guide it past Alisson. The ruthlessness that Belgium retains during their rapid counter-attacks, will certainly give the French defence plenty to chew on.
The match will be filled with mini battles all throughout the pitch with Lukaku going up against Varane and Umtiti, and Pavard will face his toughest test yet in trying to shackle Eden Hazard.
I am curious to see how Belgium deals with N'Golo Kante, with the French defensive midfielder proving to be a constant menace by breaking up attacks and also being the crucial link between the defence and midfield.
Belgium, have repeatedly shown over the course of this tournament, that they are willing to switch tactics during the game and adapt, leading to very effective results.
#2 Moving beyond the psychological barrier
As all fans of the England Football team will tell you, winning the penalty shoot-out against Columbia was a massive weight off their shoulders. Similarly, for Belgium getting to the semifinals of the biggest tournament in the world, will remove any added pressure that they might be feeling.
Belgium faltered at the quarter-final stage in 2014 and again in 2016 at the European Championships against a Wales side everyone expected them to beat. Their inability to win big games led many to question if this “ Golden generation “ had the character to perform on the big occasion.
Reaching the semi-finals of the World cup not only silences critics but also removes any doubt amongst the players about their individual performances.
The game against Japan showcased the resilience and never say die attitude that this group possesses. When you win a game after being down 2-0 midway through the second half, it is a testament as to how well this group can handle the weight of expectations.
Any rumblings of discontent among the squad members have quickly been quashed with eye-catching performances. The unity and bond the players share are there for everyone to see.
Belgium were slow to come out in the 1st half. While they managed to carve out a few chances, the Japan defence remained largely untroubled. They defended as a unit and were able to contain Hazard and co throughout the first 45. The second half began and we had an upset on the cards.
A combination of good attacking play and some luck enabled Japan to take the lead and caught the Belgium defence napping. To make matters worse for Belgium, Takashi Inui of Japan seized his chance to shine and scored an absolute screamer from 25 yards which gave Courtois no chance. Midway through the second half, it looked like Belgium would be taking an early flight home.
Martinez rang in the changes and Fellaini, along with Chadli were brought in to inject pace and power into the game. Belgium too had their share of luck with the first goal. Jan Vertonghen's header gave them a glimmer and they players took care of the rest.
Belgium did not give up and kept coming with everything they had. The fact that they did not give up after scoring the equalizer speaks volumes about this group. Belgium were aware they had Japan on the ropes and they seized the chance in the dying seconds of normal time, with Chadli slotting in the goal after a clever dummy by Lukaku.
This never say die attitude combined with the quality that this team possesses, is a sign of how far these players have come since their shock loss against Wales in 2016.
Against Brazil, Belgium was innovative in the first half and dogged in the second. They repeatedly tore the Brazil defence to shreds with their lightning quick counter attacks and defended as a unit after the goal by Renato Augusto. The first half, in particular, was fascinating to watch as this side went toe to toe against the 5-time champions.
Belgium, ruthless on the counter, exploited the free space afforded to them by Brazil and launched wave after wave in the attack. If the win against Japan was a test of their character, then this was a result that shocked the Football world.
Belgium not only scored two goals in the first half, they did so by being the better team. The reactions of the players said it all. This is the win they needed, to make the fans believe, to make the world believe and to make themselves believe.
In the second half, Brazil finally realized that this was a World cup quarterfinal and decided to make a match of it. There were nervy moments, especially after the goal by Renato Augusto, Belgium managed to keep their cool and see the game out. There were standout performances by Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois.
Hazard, in particular, was willing to receive the ball while under pressure and managed to show off his exquisite dribbling skills as he managed to create some breathing room for his defense, who had a lot more to do in the second half.
It was a mature performance from the Chelsea man and went some way in silencing critics who doubted his leadership abilities. Courtois had one of the best performances by a goalkeeper at this edition and always looked composed and collected, even after the conceding the goal
The win against Brazil was a great way to announce themselves to the world, and, with this psychological block released, Belgium can approach the clash against France confidently. No longer is this team the underdogs.
The win over Brazil proved that whatever was holding them back, isn't anymore. They are on equal footing with France, and arguably have the form and momentum to see of this tie and stake a claim for the Finals.
#1 Roberto Martinez
Before the tournament started, my biggest concern with this Belgium team, was whether or not they had an effective system in play. At times in the past, under Marc Wilmots, it seemed like this was a group that relied more on individual talent.
As a result, they often came unstuck against opposition that worked collectively to neutralize the threat posed by the creative players of Belgium. This was very evident when a supremely talented Belgium side lost to a less fancied Italy team who were then managed by current Chelsea coach Antonio Conte.
The biggest credit for their turn in fortunes goes to Roberto Martinez, who has had to manage a lot of very big egos, while also getting everyone on the same page. There are doubts that still remain over his ability to manage defensive duties, but he has certainly proven that he is willing to experiment and is not afraid to make changes when things are not going his way.
At the hour mark in the game against Japan, Martinez brought on Fellaini and Chadlito adopt a direct threat towards goal and the pattern of the game changed. The game was starting to drift away and his quick decision making completely changed the landscape of the match as Belgium came back from two goals down to clinch the game in stoppage time. It is worth noting that both substitutes scored and saw the team through to the quarterfinals.
The introduction of Fellaini brought real problems for Japan. They had been able to limit Belgium to a few half chances but now had to deal with the presence of two big men in the box.
Fellaini broke up attacks and was a towering presence in midfield and constant menace from set pieces. Martinez, who was unimpressed for much of the game so far, had calculated perfectly the impact that he would have on the game. His decision was proven right as Fellaini headed the equalizing goal after some good work from Hazard.
Chadli, who was full of tireless running and energy, made use of his situational awareness and was instrumental in launching some great crosses in the box which caused further problems for Japan.
His most telling contribution tough, came in the 94th minute as he ended a swift counter by tucking in the winning goal during the last seconds of normal time. Martinez has turned this group of underdogs into genuine contenders with his approach. The self-belief and adrenaline enabled Belgium to effectively navigate their next clash against Brazil.
The game against Brazil really displayed the ability Martinez has in reading the opposition. He made several bold and risky moves by switching his formation and employed Lukaku and Hazard on the flanks with De Bruyne playing more like a false nine. The move paid off in a big way and Belgium was leading at the half by two goals.
The front three for Belgium tore Brazil's defence to shreds time and time again in the first half. Hazard made Fagner look like an amateur league player at times while Paulinho and Fernandinho looked lost and unsure of how to deal with this drastic change in formation and style of play.
The was the moment for Martinez to shine and he grabbed it with both hands. He went up against the 5-time champions and outplayed them. After the performance in the quarterfinal, Martinez said that he was the proudest man in the world, and with good reason.
A team with so much quality, often flattering to deceive, has come under the leadership of this man, and he has certainly delivered. This win proved that he was the right man for this job, gave this team an identity, a sense of belief that they will carry with them against France and it was achieved by fulfilling unrealized potential.
All eyes remain on Martinez and his tactics to deal with the threat of N'golo Kante and `Paul Pogba, who has formed a strong partnership in midfield allowing France to effectively break down opposition attacks and begin the counter into opposition territory.
This is easily the toughest team Belgium has had to play so far and if Martinez can trump in this game, the message will have been sent. Underestimate this team at your own risk.
I am sure Martinez will have a few tricks up his sleeve as the mouth-watering clash against France approaches. This one should not disappoint.
