| Source: First Post |
Belgium were on fire once again in the World Cup. The star-studded Belgium squad defeated Tunisia in the Group G of the tournament. The score line at the end of the match was 5-2 and we saw the Belgium that we always see, a team that are great on the counter and never shy on attack. Belgium once again showed that they had a perfectly balanced and well gelled side.
Starting XI:
Courtios, Alderweireld, Boyata, Vertonghen, Meunier, Carrasco, De Bruyne, Witsel, Mertens, Hazard, Lukaku.
Match Analysis:
First Half:
Belgium began the game just like they did against Panama, attack right from the start of the match. Belgium scored their first goal in the 6th minute when Hazard was tackled in the opposing penalty area resulting in a penalty which was easily slotted in by Hazard to make it 1-0. The second goal came 10 minutes right after the first. Mertens slipped through a pass to Lukaku who put in behind the net. The Belgium defence were surprisingly shocked when Tunisia scored through a set piece which was headed past Courtios. Due to two consecutive injuries to Tunisia, the game was extended to extra time in which Lukaku made it 3-1.
Second Half:
In the second half, Tunisia started to show their real attacking capability. Khazri was the main spearhead in the attack and really tested the Belgian defence with chances. Belgium too had their fair share of chances which made Tunisia nervous. In the 51st minute Hazard made it 4-1 by superb vision and long passing by Alderweireld. Carrasco really sprang into action and his fair share of moments and chances. Batshuayi came on for Hazard in the 68th minute and also had some great chances. He finally scored in the 90th minute to make it 5-1. Khazri scored a consolidation goal for Tunisia in extra time to wrap things up.
Player Ratings:
Thibaut Courtios: 6/10
Didn’t get a clean sheet but was very much involved in the game with the saves he made.
Toby Alderwiereld: 7/10
Although he didn’t get a clean sheet, he was solid at the back and also provided a great assist for Hazard.
Dedryck Boyata: 6/10
Was vigilant and solid at the back.
Jan Vertonghen: 6/10
Made strong tackles and was strong in the air.
Thomas Meunier: 7/10
Was brilliant in his attacking runs and created few chances. Clearly showed his attacking side.
Yannick Carrasco: 7/10
He was isolated in the opener but was a real threat in the game. Had many chances and was dangerous in attack.
Kevin De Bruyne: 6/10
Was back tracking a lot in the game and wasn’t much involved in attack but was controlling the game from midfield.
Axel Witsel: 6/10
Strong in the middle and joined the attack with his pace and passing.
Dries Mertens: 7/10
Like the first game, he was the one once again who made the game tick created chances and assisted Lukaku. Also tried to score but unlucky.
Eden Hazard: 8/10
Was solid right from the start. Scored the penalty and created chances. Scored his second in the second half.
Romelu Lukaku: 8/10
Was once again a threatening player. Scored a brace and right on course for the Golden Boot. Great tournament so far for him.
| Source: Indian Express |
Substitutes:
Mitchi Batshuayi: 7/10
Came on in the 70th minute and starting attacking straight away. He almost scored a hattrick with the amount of chances he had. But, got a goal in the 90th minute.
Youri Tielemans: 6/10
Came on late and assisted Batshuayi’s goal. Was promising in his small cameo.
Marouane Fellaini: N/A
