3 Reasons Why Belgium Can Beat France

#1 Roberto Martinez

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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.