I thought semi-final would the minimum requirement for Belgium, and they did deliver. Considering the remaining teams alive, I don't see Belgium to be stopped at this point... they have world-class players in every position, a smart coach, extreme focus and dedication, and a healthy dose of luck along the way. While it will be an extremely awkward and strange feelings to see our neighbor friends lifting the W.C. trophy, this so-called Golden Generation is due for a prize. On a related note, glad to see those clown divers bounced off
It feels bad (we have at least 4 golden generations but none was able to deliver: 74-78, 88, 98, 10-14) but it should motivate KNVB and NT. France looks as good as Belgium and one of them is the favourite compare to the other brackets. I'd bet on France (the loss of Euro final may do them a favour). It is mysterious to me why Tite started Marcelo where his defense is a big liability (e.g 2nd goal) and there was no midfielders that can cover the space he left behind. 2 goals are hard to come back because Belgium is not Japan and Brazil wasted at least 3 good chances near the end.
I still think Belgium got massive lucky, one shot of the goal post, and a bunch of other easy chances missed. But all in all, yes Belgium were the better team with their deadly counter-attacks. So deserved Belgium. And I congrat you!!!
Because Marcelo is really good at coming forward, and IMO his forward runs were really good tonight. But yes, his defense is so-so
Its because Marcelo is lighting fast, and very few (opposing) wingers can keep up with him. But his negative is he doesnt defend very well. Having said that, he still defends better than most Brazilian leftbacks. Thats why he keeps getting picked
It's interesting that stats guru 11tegen11 points out that both Uruguay and Brazil should have won today based on expected goals: https://twitter.com/11tegen11?ref_src=twsrc^tfw
Don't tell me Belgium are gonna win the World Cup before Holland does!! Because if THAT happens, I'm gonna do all kinds of crazy stuff....LOL!!!!
All these years following Holland and then seeing their "little brothers" lifting the WC would make me feel I chose the wrong side to root for.
Belgium indeed got massively lucky. I simply don't agree that they were the better team and deserved it. They were certainly dangerous with their counter attacks (as we knew they would be), and played well, but really were very fortunate that Brazil missed all those chances and that they survived that sustained period of pressure in the second half. If Brazil scores the 1-0 from the corner, or even if it simply stays 0-0 with that freaky own goal not going in, then it's a totally different game. And if Brazil finds the 2-2, which they came so close to doing, then I'm pretty sure Belgium would be toast in extra time. I honestly think that if you replayed that game with both teams playing like that, Brazil goes through at least 8 or 9 times out of 10. France is now our last hope