The dark horse’s latest friendly victim was Sweden, albeit one without Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Belgians lined up in a 4-2-3-1 setup, much like Bayern’s Champions League winning setup from the 2012-13 season. Romelu Lukaku was given the responsibility of leading the line. He opened the scoring in superb fashion after Axel Witsel found him facing goal with a finely threaded pass from near the halfway line. Lukaku’s precision was there for all to see as he blasted a long range shot past Andreas Isaksson of Sweden.
The second goal was scored by none other than yet another Chelsea star, Eden Hazard, Hazard was set up by a player with Chelsea connections as well, Kevin de Bruyne. Hazard played a quick one two with De Bruyne and drove forward into the box from the left wing, shooting past Isaksson to double his country’s lead. Hazard, De Bruyne and Dries Maartens formed the three man midfield behind Lukaku on the day with De Bruyne doing an especially wonderful job in the hole behind the striker.
What might worry the Belgians though is the fact that the game was far too open. The Swedes had ten shots on goal albeit only two on target. They hit the woodwork once as well and they achieved these stats with 49 percent possession. Belgium had slightly more possession and were statistically a bit better in other departments too with 14 shots to boost with five on target. They also hit the woodwork twice.
Belgium’s defense on paper appears to be strong. Against Sweden, Vincent Kompany and the aging Daniel Van Buyten were in charge of the heart of defense with Toby Alderweireld and Thomas Vermaelen protecting the wings. If Van Buyten does start in the World Cup itself, his lack of speed will be a worry.
Vermaelen’s form has picked up in recent weeks following a good end to the season with Arsenal; however, he is not the sturdiest defender at this point either. Axel Witsel and Mousa Dembele offered extra protection to the defense from defensive midfield though against Sweden; a strong defensive midfield partnership could be vital to Belgium’s World Cup chances.
Their next opponent is Tunisia, a team which is coming into this one on the back of a 0-1 win over South Korea. Can Belgium beat their tough opponents?
Where to watch the match: Live Streams, Live Scores, Start Times, TV Channels:
Watch Belgium vs Tunisia live on Saturday, June 7, 2014:
In Belgium on RTBF LiveCenter
In Tunisia on beIN Sports Arabia 6 HD, beIN Sports Arabia 13 HD
For the complete TV listings and live scores upon kick-off, visit the Belgium-Tunisia match page.
