3) Belgium’s inexperience at the back costs them dear
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With Thomas Vermaelen suspended and Jan Vertonghen ruled out due to injury, Marc Wilmots had no choice but to start two inexperienced players at the back – Jason Denayer alongside Toby Alderweireld at centre-back and Romelu Lukaku’s brother Jordan at left-back.
They had managed to deal with the Welsh pressure pretty professionally until the 33rd minute, as opposition skipper Ashley Williams was left completely unmarked from a corner to direct a header into the net.
Gifting such free headers is considered a defensive shambles at this level. But with two new faces at the back, one could sympathise with Belgium and their lack of man-marking throughout the game. Sam Vokes’ header late in the game was also a result of poor defending, as Gunter’s cross evaded Denayer’s attempted clearance and Sam Vokes leapt ahead of Toby Alderweireld to win the aerial duel and beat Courtois.
