Kompany holds key for Belgium
When Vincent Kompany walked off the pitch without waiting to be substituted during a pre-World Cup friendly against Portugal, Belgian football fans feared the worst.
Would the rock on which the Belgium team’s defence is built miss another tournament two years after a groin injury sidelined him for the European Championship?
Not to worry. Kompany knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity in a stellar career that has been disrupted by multiple injuries.
“The fact that I’m standing here today, despite having had so many injuries, makes me stronger,” the 32-year-old defender said before Belgium beat Brazil 2-1 to secure a World Cup semi-final berth for the first time in 32 years.
So strong in fact that he set up Belgium’s first goal against Brazil . His header from a corner hit Manchester City teammate Fernandinho and deflected into the net for an own goal.
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Now, Kompany is getting ready to face France at St Petersburg tomorrow in a match-up of two title favourites. England play Croatia in Moscow the following day in the other semi-final. Belgium coach Roberto Martinez had plenty of reasons for including Kompany in his 23-man squad for Russia despite the injury cloud hanging over him since the June 2 friendly against Portugal. “There’s the experience ... there’s a little bit the knowhow, there’s the communication on the pitch,” Martinez explained to those who were sweating on Kompany’s fitness. “I think that understanding – knowing what’s expected in big games and big moments is important, so you don’t want to lose any of those players.” Kompany’s tournament finally got under way as a 74thminute substitute against England. He appeared a little rusty in the thrilling 3-2 comeback win against Japan in the round of 16 but was his normal composed self against Brazil. Now two victories stand between him and what would be Belgium’s first World Cup title. Kompany will lead the Belgium defence against France’s speedy attack thanks to his steely resolve. “You have to be mentally strong and have an inner strength to get back to this level every time,” he said. “So today, I’m here, but it’s the result of so many months and so many hours in the gym.”