So a win no doubt means very little, but what would be a sign of Belgium being 'on course' at this stage of their preparations? 3-0? 5-0? Or would a 1-0 with good passing do? A loss or a draw would not be acceptable I guess?
That was quick... Luxembourg looks... Well... Not good... What is the use of this friendly for de rode duivels, I wonder?
Not a great game, but a decent result I suppose. The funny thing is that if you check the score-line and scorers, you'd think that Lukaku had a great game, when in fact he missed quite a few decent chances in the first half!
What's wrong with inviting a few friendly neighbours over to play a game? Holland & Belgium used to visit each other regularly ... only once in the current decade though ... while we often had fun together in the noughties, 90s, 80s, etc. ... yet the last time Holland were able to win against us dates back to 1997 when you had one of your best squads ever ... we should get together more often ... best before the UNL starts in 2018 ... as there might be even fewer chances of us meeting and you'll soon haven't won against us, brave little Belgians, in 20 years ... Oeps! PS you're always welcome here ... but maybe I should start a thread to channel our subdued rivalry or even better to create a place for friendly banter with Oran-gee fans ... dutchies usually are a fun bunch and I'm guessing you also like to crack a big, beautiful smile ... as an AZ supporter, have you already forgotten the joy of cheering on Belgian players?
Nothing wrong with playing a friendly neighbour of course, but Luxemburg as WC preparation? Just for the physical work-out and team spirit then, because I can't imagine Wilmots learned much from it. Agreed on the Derby der Lage Landen though!
yep, Wilmots has said this hasnt really anything to do with the real WC preparation which starts now in Sweden. This was purely to get some game rhythm, build confidence and let a few players make their debuts without any pressure. Makes sense really, btw Italy play them as well so we're not alone
Don't forget we also had 3 players earning their first cap ... Bossut, Origi & Januzaj ... so why not ease them into the team against LUX. The hattrick probably will have boosted Lukaku's confidence too ... hopefully we'll be less wasteful in Brazil ... no need to experiment as in the previous friendlies ... instead use the training camp(s) to finetune the squad. Our players should be well rested now and in Sweden the training sessions will intensify ... after that friendly, Tunesia and a sparring session with the US.
Our XI for the friendly in Sweden according to http://www.belgiumsoccer.be/nieuws/...n-kaarten-kijken-basiself-tegen-zweden-bekend "Mignolet; Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vermaelen; Witsel, De Bruyne, Dembelé; Hazard, Mertens, Lukaku" I'd expect Vertonghen unless his injury still bothers him/not taking unnecessary risks
Line-up Belgium : Courtois, Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vermaelen, Witsel, Dembélé, De Bruyne, Hazard, Mertens, Lukaku
Decent result. But the tempo remained too low all through the game, which meant even an aging Swedish team could keep up with us quite comfortably.
My guess it has been an intense training week and our players & manager were afraid of injuries through fatigue and the bad pitch ... hoping the tempo will be much higher in Brazil ... although it's also good to know we can find cracks when we play patiently (as opposed to the friendlies vs Colombia 2nd half & Japan).
Poor game good result. Both fullbacks were weak, there was too much space between the lines but Sweden did not take advantage of it. Midfield trio was pretty good, would always prefer Dembele over Fellaini.