Martinez glues Belgians together for dream run
Spaniard bridges language divide
Saint Petersburg – Roberto Martinez has emphatically silenced those who doubted whether he was the right man to lead Belgium’s “golden generation” in their bid for World Cup glory following his struggles with Everton in the English Premier League (EPL).
Belgium are in the last four for just the second time in their history, and will meet France in Saint Petersburg tomorrow after claiming their biggest ever World Cup scalp by beating Brazil 2-1.
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 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 EPL’s finest 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.
“I think when you play Brazil you have to get a tactical advantage,” said a beaming Martinez. “It was a difficult tactical plan and the way they believed it was incredible.”
Would he be interested in the vacant post as Spain boss?
Martinez downplayed any speculation but, as a Spaniard, his background as neither a native French nor Flemish speaker has also removed one traditional barrier to Belgian success for a country divided down linguistic lines.
Instead, the whole squad converse in English.
Another of Martinez’s decisions from early in his reign could also give Belgium an extra edge for tomorrow’s semifinal, with France’s all-time top goalscorer, Thierry Henry, sat alongside him on the bench.
“He’s someone who has been in the situation of having to develop a mentality in a team of chasing the dream of winning something special for his country,” said Martinez when asked what Henry would bring as his assistant.