Belgium 5-2 Tunisia : England 6-1 Panama
Group G: Belgium and England Qualify Comfortably
I will admit I’m in a tricky position to write much of a blog about Belgium v Tunisia, as I was doing my bit for the local community at the time and running a lucky dip at a fete. I’ve seen the highlights though and it seemed that much like England, Belgium were able to carve Tunisia open several times from the outset, but were more clinical than England had been, Lukaku finishing nicely a couple of times, Hazard also looking in the mood this tournament. Batshuayi wasted a few chances before getting his goal, but given the way that many other pre-tournament favourites have started off, there’s absolutely no reason for Belgium to fear anyone now.
England also went goal-crazy in their match, despite a sloppy start that meant that after 20 odd minutes Panama had had more shots, 3 compared to England’s 2.
Unlike against Tunisia, England were taking their chances though and had scored from both attempts. When Lingard scored a beauty to make it 3 it was game over, but I’ll draw attention to a really well-worked set piece for the 4th goal, it was a shame for Sterling’s confidence that his close range header was parried and it was Stones who put it in the net.
You don’t need me to describe all the goals, but I must mention Harry Kane who was always going to be England’s key player this tournament and he couldn’t be in better form- not the best hat-trick you’ll see, but strikers like him only need to see a high number against their goals total to feel good about themselves, hopefully it can continue.
In his post-match interview Gareth Southgate was as measured as ever, I like him more and more, although was surprised to hear him say that at half time he stressed the importance of boosting the goal difference to get on top of the group. Surprised, because for most of the 2nd half England played like it was a training session. Even when Panama got their wildly celebrated goal, there was no urgency to get a 7th which would mean a draw in the final game would secure top spot. As it is, identical goals for and against records means that it will come down to fair play to separate the teams in case of a draw. It’s currently 3 yellow cards to Belgium, 2 to England so England might want to kick a few Belgians to get into what looks likely to end up being the easier half of the draw on paper.
Panama were quite thuggish throughout, whinging, diving and not really fitting into the spirit of the apparent plucky underdogs. I predicted they would end up with the worst goal difference in the tournament and that looks likely to come true. Just wait until there are 48 teams in these tournaments and the top 16 don’t even get to play each other until 2 weeks in, there will be heaps of non-contests like this unfortunately.
With both sides likely to rest some players in Thursday’s game, it has been an ideal opening to the tournament for both England and Belgium. Contrast with the mental tiredness that will result from the stressful group stages of the likes of Germany and Brazil, both Group G qualifiers will be feeling fresh going into the knockout phase.
I will admit I’m in a tricky position to write much of a blog about Belgium v Tunisia, as I was doing my bit for the local community at the time and running a lucky dip at a fete. I’ve seen the highlights though and it seemed that much like England, Belgium were able to carve Tunisia open several times from the outset, but were more clinical than England had been, Lukaku finishing nicely a couple of times, Hazard also looking in the mood this tournament. Batshuayi wasted a few chances before getting his goal, but given the way that many other pre-tournament favourites have started off, there’s absolutely no reason for Belgium to fear anyone now.
England also went goal-crazy in their match, despite a sloppy start that meant that after 20 odd minutes Panama had had more shots, 3 compared to England’s 2.
Unlike against Tunisia, England were taking their chances though and had scored from both attempts. When Lingard scored a beauty to make it 3 it was game over, but I’ll draw attention to a really well-worked set piece for the 4th goal, it was a shame for Sterling’s confidence that his close range header was parried and it was Stones who put it in the net.
You don’t need me to describe all the goals, but I must mention Harry Kane who was always going to be England’s key player this tournament and he couldn’t be in better form- not the best hat-trick you’ll see, but strikers like him only need to see a high number against their goals total to feel good about themselves, hopefully it can continue.
In his post-match interview Gareth Southgate was as measured as ever, I like him more and more, although was surprised to hear him say that at half time he stressed the importance of boosting the goal difference to get on top of the group. Surprised, because for most of the 2nd half England played like it was a training session. Even when Panama got their wildly celebrated goal, there was no urgency to get a 7th which would mean a draw in the final game would secure top spot. As it is, identical goals for and against records means that it will come down to fair play to separate the teams in case of a draw. It’s currently 3 yellow cards to Belgium, 2 to England so England might want to kick a few Belgians to get into what looks likely to end up being the easier half of the draw on paper.
Panama were quite thuggish throughout, whinging, diving and not really fitting into the spirit of the apparent plucky underdogs. I predicted they would end up with the worst goal difference in the tournament and that looks likely to come true. Just wait until there are 48 teams in these tournaments and the top 16 don’t even get to play each other until 2 weeks in, there will be heaps of non-contests like this unfortunately.
With both sides likely to rest some players in Thursday’s game, it has been an ideal opening to the tournament for both England and Belgium. Contrast with the mental tiredness that will result from the stressful group stages of the likes of Germany and Brazil, both Group G qualifiers will be feeling fresh going into the knockout phase.
