Belgium finishes well at the 2018 World Cup. The Belgians defeated England in the small final (2-0). Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard are the goalscorers of this match at the beginning and end of the match. For the first time in its history in the World Cup, Belgium finished on the podium. Eliminated in overtime by Croatia, England came back empty-handed.
A better performance in the world Cup to finish… Belgium dominated England (2-0) on Saturday in St Petersburg and finished third in the World Cup 2018, its best result in 13 appearances. The “Golden generation” led by Eden Hazard, goalscorer, and Kevin de Bruyne overcame the disappointment of the semifinal lost to France on Tuesday (1-0) to finally get on the podium of a major competition, after several years of results below its huge potential. The devils concluded on a good note a historic World Championship for them: best ranking after the 4th place in 1986, records of goals scored (16), Victories (6) and an exploit against Brazil in quarters (2-1) that surprised the world…
Above all, the men of Roberto Martinez have made an appointment with the future. They leave Russia with the conviction that they can aim higher at the Euro-2020, their next big goal. England, too, has left its mark on the minds of St. Petersburg in London, where its supporters have taken a passion for their young selection, totally reinvigorated after the humiliating defeat of the Euro-2016 against Iceland in the round of 16.
Coach Gareth Southgate was also able to measure what the three lions lack to play with the biggest: notably a better offensive efficiency; Harry Kane, however best scorer of the World Cup at least until Sunday (6 goals) remained silent during the last three matches. However, there were plenty of chances against Belgium, but Tottenham’s forward failed his only attempt, on a half-volley cross (23).
Miller is going too fast
It’s from somewhere else… a defender, Eric Dier, who proved to be the most dangerous. In a duel with Thibaut Courtois, he wiped out the goalkeeper with a shot, but Toby Alderweireld saved the goal on his line (70). Faced with the lack of English success, Belgium did not have to force its talent, operating in contres, more or less felt, rather than offering a licked game. Thomas Meunier gave the devils a quick advantage (4), by taking over a Chadli Nacer centre as an avant-centre. The PSG player became the 10th Belgian goalscorer of the tournament – A World Cup record shared with France 1982 and Italy 2006, according to statistician Opta.
De Bruyne, on a deflected shot (11), Alderweireld (35) or Meunier (80) could have folded the match faster, but the honor finally returned to the captain, Eden Hazard, one of the great men of the tournament and surely one of the great agitators of the transfer market from Monday. The N. 10 of Chelsea, served by De Bruyne, deposed Phil Jones and then deceived Jordan Pickford of the law (82). Hazard claimed after the defeat to France that Belgium “was the best team” of the World Cup. For Want of a better third place, the “Golden generation” offers its country the best ranking in its history.