Questions have been asked on how the English team got this far with the crop of inexperienced lads and no big game player per se in the squad. It took 28 years of underachieving for them to get to a World Cup semi-final, after what I would have called a wonderful run at the Italia ’90 tourney. A wonderful run because the semi-finals at the 1990 World Cup had world beaters and former winners in Argentina, West Germany and Italy.
I am proud of what England achieved at this tournament so whether a 3rd or 4th place posting, they did well and exceeded my expectations. I had predicted a quarter final placing for the 3 Lions but they went a step further. The English national team became a part of the FIFA World Cup in 1950 and missed out on qualification 3 times (1974, 1978 and 1994) since their debut and have won it once (1966). On the other hand the best Belgium had ever done at the World Cup was a 4th place posting at the Mexico ’86 where they lost 4-2 to France in the battle for bronze.
Today’s game was supposed to be one of pride for both teams as just one of them was assured of a medal (bronze) but it was obvious Belgium wanted it more. The Red Devils scored through Thomas Meunier in the 4th minute after what I will call sloppy defending from the English lads. The build up to the goal was a delight to watch and one would wonder how these Belgians missed the chance of playing in the final. 1-0 Belgium lead England and despite me being a fan of the English side I will say they deserved to have conceded another goal. Half time and Belgium led 1-0.
I was wondering what Romelu Lukaku was thinking not burying the couple of chances handed to him but his misses was surely atoned for though not by him, after Chelsea play maker Eden Hazard coolly finished a Kevin De Bruyne pass in the 82nd minute. England’s dominance of the possession numbers did not count for anything as Belgium won the tie 2-0 to win the bronze medal on offer.
Good game from Belgium and a truly deserved win. We wait for tomorrow’s final and I sincerely hope France wins it.
Thanks for your time guys. Enjoy the rest of your weekend !!!
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