Heading into the final fixtures of the group stages with qualifying most definitely secured Roberto Martinez was afforded a chance to rotate his squad. Belgium made eight changes to the squad that won against Denmark. Courtois, Lukaku and Denayer were the only players to keep their place in the starting eleven. This allowed Roberto Martinez to give the fringe players minutes under their belts before the knock out stages begin. Furthermore, Finland name the same side that beat Denmark in their opening fixture. Sparv came back into the side after he missed the match against Russia.
First half:Belgium cannot break the Finland defence.
Belgium couldn’t find their way into the game as a solid defence from Finland blocked any balls they passed into the box. 16 minutes played and The Red Devils made their first real chance. Kevin De Bruyne picked the ball up and spotted Lukaku running of the shoulder of the defence. He hit the ball just wide but the goal would not have counted as the flag was up for offside. The Red Devils grew into the game and began to take control of the ball in threatening areas on the pitch.
The Red Devils slowly began to pick up the pace and crafted another chance. This time it was taken by De Bruyne. He found space on the left of the box, he ran into it and squared it but Hradecky blocked the cross. Half an hour had gone and Finland have shown no desire to get forward when they win the ball back. Causing Belgium to keep taking their chances. Belgium came close to making it 1-0 as Doku got into the box on his left, switched it onto his right foot and hit the ball into the direction of the bottom right corner but a brilliant save from Hradecky kept it level at 0-0. Although Belgium had more chances, they did not yet manage to break the Finland defence of the scoreline. Its 0-0 at half time.
Second half: Belgium gained momentum.
65 minutes passed and Belgium believed that they had broken the deadlock from a threaded ball by De Bruyne straight to Lukaku’s feet who then slotted the ball low into left corner past the keeper. However, a very late VAR consultation ruled Lukaku offside. Finland were still very much in the game! Moments after Belgium had a goal disallowed they had another goal and this one counted. A Belgium corner is lifted into 35 year old Vermaelen at the far post. His header hits the post and before the keeper could react to it, it hit his hand and went in.
The second half was dominated by Belgium. 9 minutes remained in normal time and Belgium pushed for a second. De Bruyne rolled it into the box as Lukaku held off his defender and spun on the ball before smashing it past Hradecky.
Conclusion
Once again Belgium have came out on top against another opponent and have highlighted why they are favourites to win the tournament but have also emphasised the importance of Romelu Lukaku and De Bruyne if Belgium have any hope of going far. As it stands after the final games in Group B have been played both Belgium and Denmark go through to the Round of 16.
