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When Roberto Martinez’s men travelled to the Astana Arena on Saturday to face Kazakhstan, they had already qualified for Euro 2020. Belgium, as such, were aiming to make it 8 wins out of 8 games in the Qualifications stages. And it was hard to imagine Martinez not getting his desired result against a Kazakhstan side who had managed just 2 wins in the qualification process.
Belgium became the first nation to seal qualification to Euro 2020 when they won 9-0 against San Marino in the previous game. The Red Devils were top of Group I before the game and had gathered 21 points from their 7 games, scoring 28 goals and conceding just 1. They had established themselves as one of the favourites for the tournament, and as such, they were looking to carry forward their brilliant run of form against Kazakhstan.
Roberto Martinez was still without midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne for the game, but the Manchester City man’s absence had not affected the team so far. Contrary to expectations, Martinez named quite a strong team for the game.
Belgium Starting XI: Thibault Courtois; Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen; Thorgan Hazard, Dennis Praet, Axel Witsel, Thomas Meunier; Eden Hazard, Michy Batshuayi, Dries Mertens
The home team started the game well and matched Belgium in almost all areas of the pitch. However, the visitors took the lead through Batshuayi in the 21st minute. The first half ended with the visitors leading 1-0. After the break, Belgium hit into a higher gear and doubled their lead through Meunier in the 53rd minute. Belgium went on to win the tie 2-0 and here are 5 talking points from the game.
#5 Kazakhstan’s pressing caused Belgium problems at the start
The home team had a fiery start to proceedings and took the game to the visitors. They had a spring in their steps and closed down Belgium all around the park. Kazakhstan’s intensity and pressing had the Red Devils worried.
Belgium struggled to play their natural game and looked second best during the initial stages. Buoyed by the home support, Kazakhstan put the visitors under a lot of pressure and were on top for the first 20 minutes. However, Batshuayi’s goal knocked the wind out of the home team, who failed to maintain their initial intensity throughout the game.
#4 Belgium took control of the game in the second half
After an evenly contested tie in the first half, Roberto Martinez knew that he needed the second goal to ease the nerves. The Spaniard made a couple of subtle changes in tactics during the break before he sent his team out in the second half. He pushed his team further up on the pitch and went for the kill.
The Red Devils took control of the proceedings after the break and did not allow Kazakhstan any chance to get back into the game. They played at a higher tempo and were far more direct in their approach. Their efforts bore fruit as the home defence began to open up and Belgium began to create chances. 8 minutes into the half, Thomas Meunier latched on to a fantastic Eden Hazard ball and scored the second goal of the day, taking the game away from the home side. Belgium stayed in control of the majority of the second half and went on to gather all 3 points.
#3 Dennis Praet impresses in midfield
The Leicester City man got a rare start in the first team and grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Dennis Praet was stationed alongside Axel Witsel and gave a fine account of himself on the day. Praet was vital for Belgium during the initial stages of the game when Kazakhstan piled on the pressure on the visitors. The home team gave Belgium very little room on the pitch and it was under such circumstances that the Leicester City man showcased his qualities.
Praet was very comfortable with the ball at his feet and showed great control in tight spaces. He was a beacon of composure, even under tremendous pressure from the opposition and went about his job with superb efficiency. His passing was perfect and he picked up clever positions on the pitch. Praet was also vital in breaking the deadlock, as he threaded in a brilliant cross for Batshuayi to score from.
#2 Eden Hazard runs the show for Belgium
The Belgian has found that the grass is not always green on the other side, after struggling to find his feet with Real Madrid this season since making the move in the summer. However, Eden Hazard recently scored his first competitive goal for the club and it is still too early to rule him out. And the Belgian showcased his abilities for his doubters against Kazakhstan, as he ran the show for his team.
Hazard actually had a quiet start to the game and struggled to find his feet. However, after Belgium took the lead, he was afforded more time and space on the ball. The Real Madrid forward had a free role on the day and even though he started from the forward left position, Hazard dropped deep and drifted around the park on quite a few occasions. His speed and trickery were a handful for the opposition, who struggled to deal with him.
In the second half, Hazard came into his own and took control of the game. In the 53rd minute, he dropped deep and unleashed a pin-point long ball for Meunier, who scored to make it 2-0 for the visitors. Hazard continued to be a menace right until the end of the game.
#1 Belgium maintains their 100% record in the Qualifiers
Belgium might have been on the backfoot at the start of the game, but they managed to come out on top eventually and cruised to their 8th win in as many games in the UEFA Euro Qualifiers. The Red Devils took their goals tally to 30 and are surely the team to beat in the tournament. Roberto Martinez’s team has been at the top of the FIFA rankings for more than a year now and their dominance in world football shows no signs of slowing down.
The Red Devils displayed on Saturday that they have strength in depth in their squad and are as assured at the back as there are clinical in the final third. Roberto Martinez’s 3-4-3 system has worked wonders for the Belgian side, who have even managed to flourish in the absence of Kevin de Bruyne, one of the best midfielders in the world.
Belgium is the first team to seal qualification for UEFA Euro 2020, and after this game, it is clear that they have their sights firmly on the top prize. Few would bet against Roberto Martinez’s side right now.
