3-0 win fails to calm Belgian nerves
Media dismiss ‘golden generation’ talks 2018
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez declared himself delighted with a 3-0 win over World Cup debutants Panama but there were plenty of issues that will encourage England after their own winning start in Group G.
“Maybe we should stop the talk about a ‘golden generation.’ There wasn’t much gold on show against Panama,’” wrote Hugo Camps in Het Laatste Nieuws, one of many commentators less than convinced by a scoreless first half and holes at the back that England and Tunisia will hope to better exploit.
Looking to an anticipated group decider in Kaliningrad on June 28 after England overcame Tunisia 2-1 at the death, London’s Daily Telegraph found Belgium “rigid and witless,” despite the Red Devils being able to field more Premier League talent than the English themselves.
In attack, Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne, of Chelsea and Manchester City respectively, combined to release Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku for two welltaken goals after a wonderful solo volley from Dries Mertens had broken the deadlock and steadied Belgian nerves.
But too many passes went astray, notably from De Bruyne, who has long struggled to replicate his club form for his country, and at the back Panama found space, forcing Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois to show his class in denying a breaking Michael Murillo a quick equalizer.
Martinez eventually abandoned the three-man back line with which he kept faith through an unbeaten qualifying campaign, beefing it up to four toward the end. With defensive pillars Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen out injured, he said he expected to deploy to a four-man line in future games in Russia.
Their next opponents will be a wounded Tunisia on Saturday. Former Belgium striker Marc Degryse said he was confident the players Martinez has tried to mould into a resilient unit would step up a gear.
“Against Tunisia, I expect we’ll do more when we have the ball, in passing, making the right choices, playing at a higher tempo,” Degryse said.
But after watching Harry Kane lead England to victory in injury time, he had a warning for Martinez. “Watch out. This England side has something. Young and inexperienced, vulnerable, but no less dangerous – and their captain is leading the way,” he said.
The group winners will face the runners-up from Group H. Both Belgium, semifinalists in 1986, and 1966 champions England are desperate to end long years of disappointment.