FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: Group G Recap, Januzaj Stunner Sends Belgium Top
England will play Colombia in the Round of 16. While a 1-0 win in Kaliningrad earned Belgium a tie against Japan. However, with the potential threat of facing Brazil in the last eight of the world cup for group winners, there was speculation both teams would prefer to finish second. This would pair them up with either Sweden or Switzerland in the last eight.
Both teams showed plenty of heart and intensity. Januzaj’s moment of magic was enough to secure maximum points for Belgium and their first win against England since 1936. The winger cutting in off the right flank to whip a delightful strike across Jordan Pickford.
England’s best chance came to Marcus Rashford. However, he was denied by Thibaut Courtois with a fine save. John Stones was one of two outfield players to be retained by Gareth Southgate. In addition, he had to be replaced at the break. The center-back could be a doubt for the Three Lions’ against Colombia.
Jamie Vardy had the next chance for England due to poor defending by the Belgians. However, he was denied Thibaut Courtois’ right boot. Pickford kept out a long-range drive from Youri Tielemans before the goalkeeper was rescued by Gary Cahill’s goal-line clearance after the ball squirmed out of his grasp. Tielemans collected the game’s first booking. In addition, Leander Dendoncker was booked for bringing down Danny Rose.
Second Half:
England was dealt their first blow when John Stones was taken off at halftime. The defender appeared to have had a minor knock with an ice pack applied to his calf. Belgium took the lead in the 51st minute. Januzaj scoring a beauty to open his international account. The former Manchester United man tied Rose in knots, cut inside and whipping a glorious finish out of Pickford’s reach, the goalkeeper was beaten in his top-right corner.
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez was able to bring Vincent Kompany off the bench for the last 16 minutes for the defender’s first action of the World Cup. Rashford drove a free-kick narrowly over the angle, But Belgium- Who could have added a late second- held on to win Group G. Martinez’s men take on Japan on Monday with England facing Colombia the following day.
Team Profile:
Belgium (3-0-0, 9 points)
- Results: Defeated Panama, 3-0. Defeated Tunisia, 5-2. Defeated England, 1-0.
- Notable: Belgium are unbeaten in group stage since 1994 when they lost to Saudi Arabia at RFK stadium in Washington.
- Player to watch: Eden Hazard, in a team filled with stars, Hazard shows why he’s the soul and captain of this team. All the balls go through him and that will continue against Colombia.
England (2-1-0, 6 points)
- Results: Defeated Tunisia, 2-1. Defeated Panama, 6-1, Lost to Belgium, 1-0.
- Notable: England has been unable to win all three games in a World Cup group stage since 1982. However, they will advance to the next round.
- Player to watch: Harry Kane, the striker continues to impress despite not playing against Belgium. Japan should be a field-day opponent for the Three Lions captain.
