Martinez strikes right balance for Belgium’s ‘golden generation’
SAINT PETERSBURG: Roberto Martinez has emphatical ly si lenced those who doubted whether he was the right man to lead Bel g ium’s “golden generation” in their bid for World Cup glory following his struggles with Premier League club Everton.
Belgium are in the last four for just the second time in their history, and will meet France in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday after claiming their biggest- ever World Cup scalp by beating Brazil 2-1 in the quarter-fi nals.
In going beyond the last eight, Martinez has already succeeded where his predecessor Marc Wilmots failed, following quarterfinal defeats to Argentina four years ago and in shock fashion to Wales at Euro 2016.
However, it is the manner in which Martinez has masterminded that route to the semis that has vindicated the Belgian federation’s decision to hire a manager seen as damaged goods in 2016 after three largely unsuccessful seasons at Goodison Park.
A side boasting some of the Premier League’s fi nest talents in Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku were heading for another embarrassing early exit when trailing 2- 0 to Japan in the last 16.
But Martinez’s substitutions saved the day. Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli came off the bench to help complete a stunning three-goal turnaround in the final 21 minutes.
Fellaini’s physical presence had been used as a battering ram against the Japanese as he headed home a wonderful Hazard cross. But despite retaining his place against Brazil, Fellaini performed a very different role.
The Manche s ter Uni t ed midfielder acted as an extra shield in front of the defence, freeing up De Bruyne to play much further forward.
In an old tactic from their time together at Everton, Lukaku also moved to the right of the attack and it was from his lung-bursting run that De Bruyne drilled Belgium into a 2- 0 fi rst-half lead.
“I t hink when you play Brazil you have to get a tactical advantage,” said a beaming Martinez afterwards.